Send One Your Love: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mike Tomaro's samba reimagining respects the song's lyrical beauty while giving it rhythmic life and forward momentum. The instrumentation is smart, with alto sax and guitar (or piano) solos that sit naturally in the ensemble without requiring soloists to carry the entire performance, making this accessible for groups with developing improvisers. Audiences recognize the tune immediately, but the arrangement's freshness reminds them why they loved it in the first place.

Warm, inviting, and surprisingly sophisticated. The samba rhythm brings an unhurried sophistication to Wonder's original melody, transforming a tender pop ballad into something that feels both celebratory and intimate. There's space here to breathe, to swing, and to let the beauty of the song's harmonic movement shine through.

This works for jazz ensembles at the intermediate level who are ready to explore genre recontextualization. It suits groups that include developing soloists on alto and guitar or piano, since the arrangement gives them structured opportunity to play over changes without overwhelming complexity.

• Let the samba rhythm establish itself early in rehearsal separate from the melody. Once your rhythm section owns the pocket, the horns and soloists will land much more confidently.
• Balance the solo sections carefully. The alto and guitar trades should feel conversational rather than spotlit, allowing the tune to breathe naturally.
• Pay attention to the voicings in the horn backgrounds during the head. These aren't just filler; they frame the solo passages and should be tuned as precisely as the melody itself.
• Consider the arrangement's tempo as a suggestion for finding the right groove with your band. The chart works best when the samba feels relaxed and inevitable, not rushed.

Pair this with other contemporary jazz interpretations of pop standards to show your audience how great songs transcend their original genre. It also serves as an excellent mid-set palate cleanser on a concert, offering genuine variety without sacrificing musicianship or difficulty. The instantly familiar melody makes it an effective closer for pops concerts or community events.

• Reading and playing samba rhythms with precise articulation and swing feel
• Accompanying soloists while maintaining ensemble balance and groove
• Interpreting harmonic recontextualization across genre boundaries
• Comping and soloing over jazz changes in a relaxed, conversational style
• Tuning and blending complex jazz voicings in background figures