My Man Sam: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Goodwin writes with genuine affection for the legacy of Sammy Nestico, and it shows in every phrase. The chart balances showcase moments for your soloists with lush ensemble writing that keeps everyone engaged, while the medium swing tempo and four-minute-forty-five-second length fit perfectly into a concert without overwhelming rehearsal time.

A warm, swinging tribute that moves with the ease of a master arranger who understands exactly how big band colors work. The piece breathes between its quieter, intimate moments and its jubilant shout chorus, creating a sense of celebration and gratitude that audiences feel immediately.

Jazz ensembles at the intermediate to early advanced level who want a modern big band chart with strong solos and beautiful ensemble writing. Directors seeking a piece that honors a jazz legend while providing clear learning opportunities in swing style, dynamic control, and section balance will find this both rewarding and musically substantial.

• Balance the sax solis carefully; they're voiced richly and can easily overwhelm the rest of the band if the section pushes too hard. Let the colors shine through.
• Lock the shout chorus with your rhythm section first. Once the groove is solid, the brass will have the pocket they need to land those punches together.
• Give your soloists the freedom to stretch slightly during their turns. The 134 BPM swing feel invites natural expression without rushing.
• Manage the lead trumpet range carefully during rehearsal. The written B above the staff is accurate to the part; make sure your lead player has the endurance and comfort for this high passage in context.

Program this as a centerpiece in a jazz concert or as part of a big band retrospective exploring modern big band writing. It pairs well with classic swing charts and contemporary jazz compositions, and its length makes it ideal for a mixed program balancing uptempo openers and feature numbers.

• Swing feel and groove maintenance at medium tempo
• Dynamic contrast and section balance in ensemble writing
• Solo performance within a written chart framework
• Lead trumpet range extension and endurance
• Saxophone section blend and voiced chord accuracy
• Listening and responding to written chord changes within a jazz idiom