Witchcraft (arr. Roger Holmes): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh / Arranged by Roger Holmes
Grade: 3-4
Item: 35-PK00476048
$55.00
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Description
Recorded by countless jazz artists through the years (including three times by Frank Sinatra), this song features a classic melody and an easy-going medium swing style. Nicely scored here for big band and vocal solo.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00476048
More about this title
About the Composer: Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh
Cy Coleman composed one of the most accessible and swinging jazz standards of the twentieth century. A classically trained pianist and prolific composer for Broadway, Coleman brought harmonic sophistication and melodic craft to popular song; his work with lyricist Carolyn Leigh produced standards that have endured across generations of jazz musicians.
Carolyn Leigh's lyrics for "Witchcraft" capture a playful, flirtatious tone that sits perfectly within the medium swing context. Her partnership with Coleman demonstrates how strong lyrical writing can elevate a jazz standard beyond novelty into the realm of perennial repertoire.
Why we love this
Roger Holmes's arrangement sits in that sweet spot where the piece remains accessible for developing ensembles while maintaining authentic jazz language. The vocal feature makes this an excellent vehicle for student soloists who need confidence without excessive technical demand, and the medium swing tempo allows rhythm sections to lock in without rushing.
What to expect
The tune radiates warmth and ease, with a melody that feels conversational and unhurried. The medium swing pocket invites playfulness and a touch of romance, perfect for audiences who want substantive jazz without severity.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level benefit greatly from standards written with this clarity and swing authenticity. Directors working with vocal soloists will find this an ideal starting point for learning to balance singer, rhythm section, and horns.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the swing feel relaxed and behind the beat; younger players often drive the tempo forward, so anchor the groove with clear quarter-note pulse from the rhythm section.
- Balance the vocal solo against the ensemble so the singer's articulation and phrasing remain the focus; too much volume from the horns will bury the melody and lyric.
- Listen for the interplay between piano and bass, making sure the walking line sits comfortably under the soloist's phrases rather than competing for attention.
- Shape the dynamic envelope of the arrangement by bringing out section entrances and trading passages; this reveals the orchestration without requiring dramatic swells.
How to use it
Pair this with other Coleman standards or Sinatra-era tunes to build a cohesive set that explores the American songbook through a jazz lens. It works equally well as a feature for a winter concert or as part of a spring jazz showcase where you want to highlight a vocalist's interpretation.
Skills your students will build
- Reading lead sheet-style ensemble writing
- Playing medium swing feel (pulse, articulation, and groove timing)
- Balancing solo voice with ensemble accompaniment
- Interpreting jazz phrasing and dynamics in arranged contexts
- Comping and walking bass rhythms at an accessible level