Warner Bros. Combo Classics from the Big Band Era: B-flat Instruments Book

These arrangements capture the sophisticated harmonic language of the big band era while remaining accessible for players working at the early jazz level. Bullock's experience as both a professional jazz performer and longtime classroom educator means he knows exactly where to place melodic interest and how to voice reeds and brass for maximum impact without overwhelming young musicians. The flexibility to perform these tunes as solos, duets, or trios makes this collection instantly adaptable to varying ensemble sizes and configurations.

These standards breathe with the elegance of the swing era. There's warmth in ballads like 'Misty' and 'Skylark,' the lift of straight-ahead swinging in 'Sweet Georgia Brown' and 'Jumpin' at the Woodside,' and the sophisticated storytelling of Weill and Porter's theatrical writing in 'Mack the Knife' and ''S Wonderful.' Each arrangement honors the original without trying to recreate the full orchestra.

This book serves tenor sax, alto sax, trumpet, and clarinet players in high school jazz ensembles and mixed jazz combos. It also works for serious adult community jazz bands and private lesson studios where a teacher wants flexible repertoire that doesn't require a full big band setup.

• Establish the swing feel early in rehearsal. Play recordings of the original versions (Basie's 'Jumpin' at the Woodside' or the Sinatra recording of 'As Time Goes By') so students hear the groove they're aiming for.
• Balance the melody against supporting voices. In trios especially, clarify who carries the tune at each moment so harmonic voices don't overshadow the line.
• Pay attention to the blues changes in pieces like 'Li'l Darlin'' and 'Jumpin' at the Woodside.' The standard progression feels natural once students hear it in context, but mark it in parts if needed.
• Use the solo flexibility strategically. Start with ensemble readings, then feature individual players as confidence builds.

Slot these into a jazz history unit where students explore different composers and the eras they shaped. Solo and duo arrangements work beautifully at jazz nights or smaller performances when your full ensemble can't be assembled. The collection also serves as a bridge between jazz standards repertoire and classical/theater repertoire, showing students how these tunes live across genres.

• Reading and executing swing feel and shuffle rhythms
• Navigating blues changes and jazz chord progressions
• Improvisation over 12-bar, 32-bar, and non-standard forms
• Balancing melody and harmony in small ensemble settings
• Stylistic interpretation of ballads versus up-tempo swing
• Ensemble listening and independence as a solo voice
• Understanding jazz standards and their historical context