Nice 'n' Easy: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mark Taylor's bossa treatment transforms a mid-century pop standard into repertoire that feels fresh and contemporary. The trumpet and alto sax duet creates natural leadership within your ensemble while the scoring stays accessible at Grade 3, giving every section meaningful work without overwhelming younger players.

Sophisticated and relaxed. The bossa nova rhythm creates a gentle forward motion while the trumpet and alto sax trade melodic phrases with ease, evoking a late-night jazz club where conversation flows as naturally as the music. The arrangement respects the song's lyrical warmth without losing its modern edge.

Jazz ensembles comfortable with Latin feels and looking for a standard that doesn't require swing interpretation. Strong for groups that need featured soloists supported by a cohesive ensemble and want repertoire with immediate familiarity.

• Center your rehearsal on locking the bossa clave with your rhythm section first; the harmonic foundation will make the soloist parts sit naturally once that's solid.
• Balance the trumpet and alto sax duet so both voices remain audible even when the full ensemble is playing; this pairing works best when neither voice retreats.
• Let the medium tempo breathe; resist the urge to rush, which flattens the bossa feel and makes the swing sixteenths sound choppy.

Pair this with other bossa standards or Latin jazz pieces to build a cohesive set, or feature it as a stand-alone number that gives your ensemble an accessible entry point to jazz arranging beyond swing. It works equally well mid-set as an intermission closer.

• Reading and performing bossa nova clave rhythms
• Balancing featured soloists within full ensemble texture
• Maintaining articulation clarity in medium-tempo Latin feels
• Responding to ensemble dynamics while playing a supporting role
• Interpreting melody with jazz phrasing and swing sixteenths