Classic Basie-style medium swing fits this excellent chart. The suggested tempo is 118 BPM, and the lead trumpet range is to written G. Solos are provided for alto 1 and trumpet 1, and the usual optional parts, including flute, clarinet, and vibes. A tasty, well-written arrangement. (3:30)
Discover MakeMusic Cloud: thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Larry Shay composed during the golden age of American popular song, contributing to the standard repertoire that would define jazz and swing for generations. His melodies have become part of the fabric of American music, recorded countless times and arranged across every conceivable instrumentation.
Why we love this
Mike Dana's arrangement captures the infectious energy of a Count Basie swing chart while keeping the technical demands accessible for developing ensembles. The solo opportunities for alto 1 and trumpet 1 let your strongest improvisers shine without overwhelming the section, and the optional parts (flute, clarinet, vibes) give you real flexibility in how you voice the band.
What to expect
Pure, unburdened swing. The medium tempo and Basie-style voicings create an open, conversational sound where each section has room to breathe and personalities can emerge through the solos. It's the kind of chart that reminds musicians why people love playing jazz.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level who want to build confidence in swing feel and section cohesion without tackling complex harmonic territory. This works well for groups developing their first soloists or for directors looking to teach ensemble arrangement principles through a familiar, accessible standard.
How to get the most out of it
Nail the groove at 118 BPM by locking the rhythm section (piano, bass, drums) first; everything else lands once that pocket is solid.
Balance the written ensemble texture against the solos; the chart breathes most naturally when transitions between sections feel effortless rather than forced.
Encourage trumpet 1 and alto 1 to listen to classic Basie-era recordings of this tune to absorb the phrasing and articulation style before improvising.
How to use it
Pair this with other standards or blues heads to build a concert section that demonstrates your ensemble's command of authentic swing style. At just over three and a half minutes, it's an ideal opener or closer for a jazz concert, or a natural fit alongside other Young Jazz Ensemble charts for a program showcasing ensemble growth across multiple difficulty levels.
Skills your students will build
Swing articulation and phrasing in small- and large-group contexts
Improvisation over ii-V-I and related changes
Section balance and texture control in written ensemble passages
Listening and responding to solo counterpoint from the ensemble
Listening for and maintaining steady groove with rhythm section
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
