What The World Needs Now Is Love (arr. Mark Taylor): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Taylor captures the infectious optimism of Bacharach's composition while injecting real swing vocabulary and energy that keeps students engaged. The arrangement strikes that rare balance where the lead voices shine without overwhelming younger players in the section parts, and the built-in solos give your standout players room to breathe.

Uplifting and propulsive, this arrangement channels the warmth of Bacharach's melody through a modern jazz lens. There's an undeniable groove underneath everything, paired with moments of individual spotlight that let soloists shine and saxes deliver that signature Bacharach sophistication.

Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level who are ready to tackle swing style with confidence and want to program something contemporary yet rooted in classic American songwriting. This works equally well for groups seeking a feel-good opener or a crowd-pleasing closer.

• Establish the swing feel early in rehearsal by isolating the rhythm section and locking the hi-hat pocket before adding horns. The up-tempo groove only lands when that foundation feels inevitable, not rushed.
• Give the trumpet soloist space to voice their own ideas during their feature. Taylor's arrangement provides the harmonic roadmap; encourage the player to find their own melodic phrasing rather than copying a recording exactly.
• Balance the sax soli section carefully. These voicings will cut through only if the saxophones listen to each other vertically and tune the blend, not just play their individual parts at the same volume.
• Treat the key change as a turning point, not just a harmonic shift. The ensemble shout that follows needs energy and commitment, so build momentum through that modulation rather than playing it safe.

Schedule this mid-concert where you need a tonal and emotional shift from heavier charts. Its optimistic message and straightforward swing feel make it an excellent bridge between a ballad and an uptempo closer, or pair it with other pop standards to create a cohesive themed set.

• Swing articulation and phrasing across all sections
• Listening and balance in sax soli voicings
• Trading solos and supporting accompanying figures
• Navigating key changes smoothly without losing groove
• Reading and executing up-tempo 4/4 jazz comping patterns