Smart Chart Music

This happy Shuffle/Swing is the least difficult in the series. Solos are played over F7 & Eb7 so almost anyone can try improvising on this one. It's simple, but it Swings! 8 brass, 5 saxes, 4 rhythm,...

This is the third part of Thad's 'Suite for Pops'. This movement reflects the joyous retreat associated with funerals typical in New Orleans.

Re-scored a fourth lower to F containing all of the skillfully penned structure written for the Count Basie band by Frank Foster in the early 60's.

A wonderful Gospel/Rock composition a perfect 4th below Thad's, making it accessible to younger players.

Constructed to highlight the tenor sax solo, Thad has once again created a masterpiece from the time honored blues in F major.

Funk style blues in C concert. Written in a 'Thaddian' style, this original tune features creative ensemble writing and sounds more difficult than it is to play. Funky groove.

A real crowd pleaser at an easy level

This tune is based on the changes to 'I'm Getting Sentimental Over You' but at a medium swing tempo.

Has the feel of L'il Darlin' but quite different melodically and harmonically. Easy to play and very smooth.

A real Thad Classic made accessible by Mike Carubia. Higher brass notes removed, sax soli re-scored & it still sounds like Thad.

Written in the style of Sammy Nestico and the Count Basie Orchestra this composition captures the feel and excitement of the Basie band with limited brass ranges at a Grade 3 Level. Beginning and end...

Commissioned by Jim Dragovitch, director of the GW Hewlett HS Jazz Ens., this 16 bar tune features a unison melody carried by the trombones & tenors and plenty of Full Ens with short stop time before...

Relaxed cool jazz feel.

Med. Fast Blues in Bb.

This funk chart is based on two chord changes which make soloing a breeze. A short interlude (Bridge) provides a break from the 2 chords.

Medium fast modern swing chart with lots of unison and ensemble passages making this very playable.

Medium tempo Jazz Samba that captures a tinge of Spain while allowing Jazz elements to shine through. Solo sections are on 2 chord changes (Cm/Db) making for easy soloing.

This 6/8 jazz groove is reiniscent of 'A Walk on the Wild Side' which Mike arranged while he was staff arranger for the 3rd Army Band in Atlanta, GA. This Bb minor blues has a touch of Charles Mingus...

This Medium/Fast blues in Fm provides a solid big band ensemble study for your students. The writing contains plenty of call and response between sections and has ample room for solos. Moderate brass...

This Medium/Fast blues in Fm provides a solid big band ensemble study for your students. The writing contains plenty of call and response between sections and has ample room for solos. Moderate brass...

This solo ballad feature has the solo part written for alto sax, trumpet or flute. Written on request of several jazz ensemble teachers who said they could use a 'nice ballad solo feature'. The entire...

For band directors who have a good rhythm section and at least one soloist capable of handling a fast tempo, this one makes a great vehicle to show off your strong soloist(s). Based on the changes to...