New Orleans Blues: Drums
New Orleans Blues: Drums Sheet Music Preview

New Orleans Blues: Drums

Including Joe Turner and Worried Man Blues

Traditional / arr. Bert Ligon

Grade: 3.5

Item: 00-PC-0001606_D
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Description
New Orleans is a destination for tourists and the Mississippi River, but it is also the headstream of much of jazz and blues music. This is a setting of two great traditional New Orleans melodies, "Joe Turner" and "Worried Man Blues." The cellos state the first theme and then the chart expands with each section playing an important role. An exciting ensemble section provides a spot for improvisation or performing the written solos that are included. (4:45)

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Additional Details
Series: Highland/Etling String Alternatives
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 132
SKU: 00-PC-0001606_D

More about this title

About the Arranger: Bert Ligon

Bert Ligon

Bert Ligon directs the jazz studies program at the University of South Carolina, where he teaches jazz theory, improvisation, arranging, and applied lessons while overseeing the school's jazz combos and big bands. His compositional work spans big band, orchestra, jazz combo, steel band, and jazz strings; he has also authored three books on jazz harmony and technique, and recorded a jazz trio album featuring his piano work alongside violinist Martin Norgaard and cellist Renata Bratt.

Ligon's dual fluency in classical orchestration and jazz language shapes his arrangements, allowing him to bring authentic blues and jazz sensibility to ensemble writing without sacrificing clarity or accessibility.

Why we love this

Ligon's arrangement honors the historical roots of New Orleans blues while giving every section meaningful work. The progression from cello-led exposition through full ensemble writing creates natural rehearsal segments, and the included improvisation opportunities (with written alternatives) let students either stretch creatively or rely on scored material depending on your ensemble's readiness.

What to expect

Warm, conversational, and grounded in the rhythmic ease of blues tradition. The arrangement draws listeners into a world of Delta and New Orleans sound through string sonorities, moving from introspection to collective joy as each section finds its voice.

Who it's for

String orchestras at the intermediate to upper-intermediate level seeking authentic jazz and blues repertoire that respects both idioms. Directors looking for concert pieces that educate students about American musical traditions while offering accessible ensemble writing.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the opening cello melody with deliberate vibrato control; let the first statement breathe before other voices enter to reinforce the blues character.
  • Balance the ensemble section carefully during written passages. The soloists need to project above the accompaniment without the full orchestra overwhelming them.
  • If using the improvisation option, establish a clear harmonic foundation in the rhythm section and allow soloists 4-8 bars of space. If performing the written solos, maintain steady tempo and let the written lines sing through.

How to use it

Program this alongside other Americana or jazz-influenced orchestral works to build thematic coherence around American musical heritage. The moderate length (4:45) and inviting style make it ideal for pops concerts or educational outreach where you want to introduce jazz vocabulary to broader audiences.

Skills your students will build

  • Blues harmony and chord progression recognition
  • Stylistic articulation and vibrato choices specific to jazz and blues idioms
  • Balancing solo passages against ensemble accompaniment
  • Reading and executing rhythmic figures with swing feel
  • Improvisation within a blues harmonic framework (optional but included)

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