Walkin' Shoes (arr. Ronnie Cuber): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Gerry Mulligan / Arranged by Ronnie Cuber
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK01274938
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Description
Not only was the late Ronnie Cuber an acclaimed saxophonist, he was also a skilled arranger. Here is his swingin' take on this Gerry Mulligan standard.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01274938
More about this title
About the Composer: Gerry Mulligan
Gerry Mulligan stands as one of the most influential composers and baritone saxophonists in jazz history. His compositional voice blended sophisticated harmonic thinking with an instinctive feel for melody, establishing him as a bridge between bebop and the cooler, more arranged sounds of the 1950s West Coast jazz movement.
For music educators, Mulligan's legacy matters because his standards remain pedagogically valuable. His tunes demand clean ensemble voicing, attention to harmonic subtlety, and a genuine swing feel. They've become essential repertoire for student ensembles learning to balance jazz language with written precision.
Why we love this
Ronnie Cuber's arrangement captures the sophistication of Mulligan's original concept while making it accessible and genuinely fun to play. The writing sits comfortably in the range of student musicians, yet the orchestration and harmonic movement will hold the attention of serious players who want to feel the swing and authenticity beneath the educational framework.
What to expect
Urbane and swinging without pretense. The tune walks with confidence, unhurried and conversational, inviting soloists to contribute their own voice while the ensemble provides a sophisticated but stable foundation. It carries the relaxed elegance of great West Coast jazz.
Who it's for
Grade 4 jazz ensembles ready to work with standards-based literature that rewards musicality and ensemble discipline. This is equally valuable for director's who want to program a recognizable Mulligan tune without the complexity of performing it straight from the original lead sheet.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the ensemble sound by tuning unison passages carefully. The voicings depend on blend across the sections, so lock intonation before worrying about tempo.
- Let the rhythm section dictate the swing feel rather than forcing it. If the pianist and bassist are locked and grooving, the horns can relax into the pocket.
- Shape the melody phrases with natural breathing points. Mulligan's writing lives and breathes; treat rests as punctuation, not dead space.
- Highlight the harmonic movement by bringing out inner voices during soli passages. This arrangement rewards listeners who follow the chord changes.
How to use it
Feature this on a concert celebrating jazz composers and arrangers, pairing it with other Mulligan works or arrangers who studied his approach. It works equally well as a full-ensemble closer on a jazz night or as a showcase piece for your most developed soloist alongside the band.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing swing eighth-note articulation
- Balancing harmonic voicings across multiple sections
- Maintaining groove pocket with a functioning rhythm section
- Shaping jazz phrases with intentional articulation and dynamics
- Following chord changes as structural guides for ensemble cohesion