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Rick Lawn
Composer • Author • Performer • Educator
10 Piece Charts
grade level 4: medium-difficult
The Yellow Rose (of Texas)
Who would have thought that there was still life in an old chestnut like The Yellow Rose of Texas? Well there is in this captivating funky, hip-hop version by Rick Lawn that turns into a double time straight ahead style for solos and further development. The solo section features alto sax and any other instrument should you choose to open it up. And the drummer gets some in a solo section that features exchanges between drums and ensemble. The bass part features both written lines and chord symbols as does the piano (including some solo fills) and optional guitar part. Lead trombone is written to A above middle C and lead trumpet to written high C# with some options to high D. These difficulties plus some of the rhythmic challenges suggests that this charts should be classified between Advanced and Medium Difficult.
Instrumentation: 2 Trumpets, Trombone, Alto, Tenor and Bari Saxes, Guitar (Optional), Piano, Bass and Drums
No Audio Track Available
Earth Tones
The title track from the Power of Ten’s first CD, this chart features 3 interconnected sections – a chorale or incantation, a 6/4 Afro section ala the Yellowjackets, and a minimalistic section that precedes a drum solo before the D.S. to the bridge and a strong closing. Solos are for vibes (piano or guitar) and trombone.
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INSTRUMENTATION: Alto, tenor/soprano, bari, 2 trumpets, trombone, vibes, piano, guitar, bass and drums
Earth Tones
Peculiar
An arrangement of John Scofield’s second line style tune that appear on his CD Groove Elation. The ostinato bass line and drum groove keeps this chart moving right along and the horns evoke a modern Gil Evans sound with doubles on alto (flute) and tenor (soprano). The groove works best when the keyboard player uses an organ/synth sound. Extended solo space for guitar, keyboard and horns if desired. The groove might be challenging for some to achieve but the horn parts are not particularly difficult.
Instrumentation: alto/flute, tenor/soprano, bari sax, 2 tpts, T-bone w/plunger, piano (synth preferred), guitar, bass, drums
No Audio Track Available
Never Too Late
This original was composed for the Power of Ten and is featured as the ear opening first track on their CD Earth Tones. The strong chromatic intro makes one wonder where the chart is going, but once things settle down, the chart becomes a moody straight ahead tune with numerous dynamic contrasts and reoccurring Latin sections in a 12/8-feel. Solos can be for guitar/piano, trumpet, tenor, and drums – in other words there is lots of flexibility.
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​Instrumentation: Alto,Ten,Bari, 2 Trumpets, 1 Trombone & Rhythm
Never Too Late
The Eyes of Texas
The Eyes of Texas, aka "I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad," is an old chestnut that’s been dressed up in new clothes by arranger Rick Lawn. The style moves from a fast bossa or samba feel to swing and solos chord changes are provided for tenor sax, piano and guitar which is optional. Lead trumpet is written to D above high C making this chart in the medium difficult range. Bass parts are written out and chord changes are provide. Texans have never heard “The Eyes” quite this way, guaranteed!
Instrumentation is Alto, Tenor, Bari Sax, 2 Trumpets, Piano, Guitar (Optional) Bass and Drums.
Instrumentation: 2 Trumpets, Trombone, Alto, Tenor and Bari Saxes, Guitar (Optional), Piano, Bass and Drums
No Audio Track Available
Ease It!
Based on the Paul Chambers/Cannonball Adderley blues head, this charts is arranged in a style reminiscent of Gil Evans’ imaginative early orchestrations. Solo sections for bass and just about any other instrument abound. Solo backgrounds help to propel things forward to an exciting shout chorus. Alto doubles on flute. This chart challenges your bassist to step up.
Instrumentation: Alto dbl flute; ten; bari; 2-tpts, 1 bone, Piano/Vibes, Bass, Guitar & Drums
Ease It
Chasing After Dreams
This is a scaled down version of the big band chart that can also be found on Rick Lawn.com (listen to big band chart recorded on Unknown Soldiers by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra). The chart is essentially the same and serves as a beautiful ballad feature for tenor sax throughout. Alto doubles on flute.
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Instrumentation: alto/flute, tenor, bari sax, 2 tpts (dbl flugel), T-bone, piano, vibes, guitar, bass, drums
No Audio Track Available
Devil’s Advocate
From the Concept Music Music Series, this publication is available from Walrus Music. Up-tempo contemporary straight ahead groove w/intricate lines & hot ensemble passages. Reminds me of a 70s’-ish Tom Harrell/Bob Berg tune. Trpt & Tenor solos.
(Rubato intro in the live recording is not included in the sold score/parts)
Instrumentation: Alto,Ten,Bari, 2 Trumpets, 1 Trombone & Rhythm
Devil's Advocate
Out on a Limb
This is the 10 piece band version of the same piece recorded by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra on their Sea Breeze label release “Unknown Soldiers.” This chart is in the classic Latin/swing “On Green Dolphin St.” style. Soloist include trumpet, tenor, piano and drums.
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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4
No Audio Track Available
With a Little Help…
This chart is based loosely on the famous Beatles tune, but with a significant face lift! Soloists featured are soprano sax (on alto chair) and guitar. Audiences have found this inventive chart to be captivating. This arrangement is exactly as recorded by “Power of Ten” on the album Earth Tones.
Instrumentation: Alto, Tenor, Baritone, 2 Trumpets, 1 Trombone & Rhythm
With Little Help
Quiet Please!
As the title implies, this is a laid back soprano feature with added solo space for bass and drums. Bass clarinet is on the usual bari sax chair throughout. A challenging shout chorus is also featured in this introspective original that will make people stop and listen. This chart is featured on Power of Ten’s CD Earth Tones.
Instrumentation: soprano/alto, tenor, bass clarinet, 2 tpts, T-bone, piano, guitar, bass, drums
Quiet Please!
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