Commissioned by the University of Northern Iowa in celebration of 50 years in jazz education, this chart is a challenging, episodic work that begins with a somewhat dark, evolving incantation that can make use of extra percussion including tympani. An Afro-Latin groove takes over (that makes use of additional perc. including marimba) that eventually moves to a straight ahead groove for solos. Solos can be for alto sax, trombone and/or rhythm player.

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4 plus perc.

This unusual big band chart is a somber, introspective hymn with a Spanish flavor, drawing influences from David Sanborn, Gil Evans, and classical styles. Saxes need to double on flute or clarinet. An extra percussionist is also desirable. Solos for Alto, trumpet, and guitar. As recorded by 3rd Coast Jazz Orchestra Plays the music of Rick Lawn on Sea Breeze Jazz. See master Otter CD catalog .

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4/perc.

A challenging, very contemporary chart that erases those lines between improvised and composed music; contemporary classical music and jazz; organization and chaos. Much of it is not based on traditional tonal organization though there are reoccurring themes, some chord progressions and pedal points to provide continuity. This chart was premiered by the Univ. of Texas at Austin Jazz Orchestra at the 1997 IAJE Convention. Solos are for Trumpet, Tenor, Piano, and Drums. Sax doubles. Chart works best with two keyboard players (piano and synth) though one will do especially if guitar is available. As recorded by 3rd Coast Jazz Orchestra Plays the music of Rick Lawn on Sea Breeze Jazz. See master Otter CD catalog.

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4/(2 keyboards)

This vibrant samba knocked them over at the 1984 NAJE Convention. Written in the Rob McConnell vein with a catchy melody, powerful brass figures, and even several stop-time sections. Soloists (trombone and flute/tenor or piano) are given an opportunity to stretch out over some scintillating changes. The drummer also receives several spotlights. Alto I dbls. sop./fl./picc. (opt.), Ten. I dbls. sop.

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​Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4 (see woodwind dbls, above)

This shuffle arrangement of Gary McFarland's tune requires alto to double on soprano and features lots of open space for solos by piano and trombone. A bass solo is optional as is the challenging woodwind soli for flutes and clarinets. This chart is a little reminiscent of Thad Jones' "Don't Get Sassy."

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/3

This one is NOT for the timid! Although the chart defies classification, Weather Report fans will be knocked out with its relentless, hard-driving groove and somewhat ethereal wind writing.

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There's lots of solo room for the guitar and drummer along with shorter solos for soprano sax and trumpet.

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Optional parts for drum machine and synthesizer are included. Check out Loose Ends, it will leave your audience frazzled!

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Instrumentation: Alto I-sop./fl., Alto II-fl., Ten. I-clar./fl., Ten. II-clar., Bari-bass clar., all trumpets double flugel.

This moody soprano sax feature can also feature your pianist. Predominantly a ballad in 3/4 & 9/8, its haunting and introspective qualities yield to a short double-time chorus that also serves as a surprise intro. Lush harmonies and woodwind/horn counter-lines abound. Sax doubles. Two French horn parts are optional and cued in the saxophones.

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4 Plus 2 horns

Featuring a Super Sax style sax soli based on Charlie Parker's classic improvised solo, this chart is a challenging crowd pleaser and worth the effort. A piano/guitar solo is also featured. A slightly modified version to feature saxophonist Tony Campisi was recorded by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra on "Unknown Soldiers" (Sea Breeze label)​

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4

As the title indicates, this chart depicts the many changing and unpredictable moods associated with Mother Nature. It is influenced by Kenny Wheeler, Jim McNeely, and Vince Mendoza. Lengthy solos are for Trumpet and Tenor while the soprano sax gets a brief solo. The percussion part (marimba & vibes) is important, however, guitar is optional. Woodwind doubles are easy. Lead alto dbls on flute & soprano, baritone dbls on bass clarinet. As recorded by 3rd Coast Jazz Orchestra Plays the music of Rick Lawn on Sea Breeze Jazz. See master Otter CD catalog.

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4/(2 keyboards)

Lots of Coltrane influence here with this chart. The melody is beautifully scored, making use of muted brass and saxes floating calmly over a quietly driving rhythm section. Lots of solo space, a fun development section, an optional sax soli and a perfect closing. Alto 1 doubles on soprano. As recorded by 3rd Coast Jazz Orchestra Plays the music of Rick Lawn on Sea Breeze Jazz. See master Otter CD catalog .

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4/

This high energy Latin/swing chart combines lots of counterpoint with forceful tutti-brass chords. An extended minor blues serves as the harmonic basis for the head and the alto solo before the tutti ensemble trades fours with the drums and congas. Recorded on the University of Texas' Sublime in Time. Alto II, Ten. II, & Bari-clar., Ten. I-fl. Optional vibes and tuba.​

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4 woodwind doubles as stated above (Latin perc. optional)

Gorgeous ballad that features tenor saxophone throughout and a double time solo section with ensemble shout chorus. Recorded on the Sea Breeze release "Unknown Soldiers" by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4(vibes optional) additional woodwind doubles

One of my more recent compositions for big band, this chart is a tour de force for baritone soloist. It can be played with 5 saxes plus the soloist or with only 5 saxes. While the saxophone parts are challenging, brass parts are reasonable as are rhythm.

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4

This is an up-tempo burning arrangement of Lennie Tristano's famous tune features a challenging sax soli and piano solo. It is available exclusively here from RickLawnMusic.com

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5/4/4/4 (gtr. optional) (The cup muted trumpet playing the head with the saxes is entirely optional!)

This beautifully orchestrated composition serves as the introductory movement to a four episode jazz dance suite entitled Mirrors: Four Reflections in Jazz and Dance. Traditional West African motives and Duke Ellington's influence predominate as the piece moves from a chant-like introduction into a smooth African 9/8 feel. Percussion is essential as are two soprano saxes to interpret the free form written out duet complete with multiphonics. Alto I-sop./fl., Alto II-sop. /Fl./clar., Ten. I & II-clar., and Tpts II & IV-flugel.

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4 (additional perc.)

Latin/swing chart based on rhythm changes and the timeless "Lester Leaps In." This chart was recorded by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra on their Sea Breeze label release "Unknown Soldiers."

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4

This Latin-funk piece makes use of one of the great grooves found in the Steps Ahead's Pools. The haunting melody initially appears as a rubato statement between the tenor sax and piano until a syncopated bell-like pyramid figure leads us into the groove. Solos for piano, tenor, and soprano. Sax doubles. As recorded by 3rd Coast Jazz Orchestra Plays the music of Rick Lawn on Sea Breeze Jazz.

 

Instrumentation: 5/4/4/vibes optional plus woodwind doubles

Clever arranging and tasteful orchestration give this "ensemble feature" a fresh yet traditional look at swing. An introduction marked by interesting bass, trombone and brush work gives way to a light two beat presentation of the head before settling into a moderate tempo straight-ahead groove.

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The ensemble gets a chance to show its teeth as the piece half-times into a slow, hard bluesy feel and a brief stop time section en route to the original tempo and a great ending.

This is one movement from the dance suite Mirrors that included "Seeds," "Chasing After Dreams," and "Loose Ends."

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4(doubles on ten 1 & 2 and bari). Brief solos for soprano, bari and piano. Alto I-sop., Alto II, Ten. I & II-fl., Bari-fl./picc.

A big band arrangement of the exciting Russell Ferrante tune recorded by the YELLOWJACKETS on their Four Corners MCA Records release. This chart features a contemporary approach to rhythm changes but with a unique twist. A very challenging sax soli and solos for alto and guitar or piano are features of this demanding arrangement.

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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4