Papa Was a Rollin' Stone: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by The Temptations / Arranged by Rick Stitzel
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00428129
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Description
This acclaimed hit from 1972 was the final #1 single from super group The Temptations. With a haunting yet appealing minor groove, this chart offers interesting parts for all sections of the band.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00428129
More about this title
About the Artist: The Temptations
The Temptations defined the sound of Motown in the 1960s and 1970s with their polished vocal harmonies, sharp choreography, and undeniable charisma. Their catalog spans from doo-wop influenced early hits to sophisticated soul productions, making them one of the most commercially successful and artistically influential groups in American music history.
For music educators, The Temptations represent an essential bridge between classical vocal training and contemporary popular music. Their recordings showcase precise ensemble singing, clear diction, and the kind of rhythmic sophistication that challenges student musicians across all sections of a jazz ensemble.
Why we love this
Rick Stitzel's arrangement captures the hypnotic pull of the original while making it accessible for Grade 2 ensembles. The minor groove sits in the pocket without requiring advanced soloing skills, which means your students can focus on locking into the groove and voice leading across the band.
What to expect
A slow burn. The tune opens with an understated, hypnotic quality that gradually draws the listener in. Despite its reflective minor key, the arrangement has an undeniable swagger; it's introspective without being mournful.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the Grade 2 level looking to program a recognizable, groove-oriented chart that engages students without overwhelming them technically. Directors who want to teach minor tonality and pocket playing using a song students actually know and respond to.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the bass and drums into a tight pocket early in rehearsal. The groove's power depends on this foundation staying consistent across the entire chart.
- Balance the minor tonality with clear articulation in the horn section. Minor grooves can sound muddy if attacks aren't defined and releases aren't clean.
- Let the sax section breathe through the melody line. The haunting quality of the tune comes from allowing space and not over-driving the phrasing.
- Record a rehearsal and listen back as an ensemble. Hearing yourselves objectively helps students recognize where the groove locks in and where it drifts.
How to use it
Feature this as a set closer on a concert celebrating soul and R&B classics. It pairs well with other 1970s funk and soul repertoire and offers a refreshing contrast to swing standards in the same program. Consider it a solid mid-year addition when your ensemble has the fundamentals in place to handle groove-based charts.
Skills your students will build
- Playing and sustaining a minor tonality with conviction
- Locking into a groove-based rhythm without rushing or dragging
- Balancing section blend while maintaining individual articulation clarity
- Interpreting dynamics and space in a contemporary pop arrangement
- Understanding the relationship between bass line and harmonic movement