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Rick Lawn
Composer • Author • Performer • Educator
Big Band Charts
grade level 4: medium-difficult
Step on a Crack
Rick Lawn brings us a funky take on a stretched out blues form with a slippery melody and sophisticated harmonies. All goes according to plan through the melody and alto sax solo. A challenging unison brass soli follows and leads us into a unique musical environment where soloists (one, a few, or many) trade two bar phrases with the ensemble. This provides lots of room for experimentation and freedom for the improvisers since they aren’t limited to a particular harmony or chord. A brief drum solo returns to the melody and a gospel tinged coda. A challenging chart that is well worth the effort. Trumpet range is to written Bb with optional High D. Grade 4 Rock style
This chart is available from Baker's Jazz and More.
Step on a Crack
Out on a Limb
Recorded by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra on their Sea Breeze label release "Unknown Soldiers," this chart in the classic Latin/swing Green Dolphin St. style. Soloist include trumpet, tenor, piano and drums.​
This chart is available from iJazzMusic.com
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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4
out-on-a-limb
Homage
This arrangement of Gerry Niewood's tribute to Coltrane and his modal style features an alto (or tenor) soloist in addition to a full sax section. Other soloists could include trombone or rhythm. The bass clarinet double on bari chair is optional. Tempo is somewhat flexible and the demo recording is a bit fast. The chart is as much a tribute to Gerry, who passed away tragically in a plane crash outside Buffalo, NY in 2009, as it is Gerry's homage to John Coltrane. It was recorded on his first solo album.
Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4 (alto 2 and tenor 2 dbl on flute; bari dbls. bs. clar.)
Purchase this chart here from eJazzLines.
Homage
Viento en Popa
Inspired by Clare Fischer’s smooth Latin grooves and the montuno rhythm, this chart features solos for trumpet and trombone. Additional percussionists are nice but not mandatory if the drummer is savvy. Tempo is very moderate and reasonable ranges for all.
Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4
This charts if available now from iJazzMusic.com .
Not Available
Parade of the Unicorns
A 6/4 march-like groove turns into a Latin feel in the style of vintage Chuck Mangione complete with flugelhorn and soprano sax duet. This chart is very melodic and memorable but has a punch to it as well; and the groove is infectious. No recording other than the MIDI file below is yet available.
This chart is availabel from iJazzMusic.com
Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4
Parade of the Unicorns
Imaginary Colors
As the title implies, this is a demanding, straight eighth concert work with striking orchestrations and is offered in two versions – one with clarinet doubles in the sax section and one without. It is a moody piece that features trumpet and guitar or piano solos. Piano and guitar parts are demanding in terms of reading more than just chord symbols.
This chart is available from iJazzMusic.com
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Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4
Imaginary Colors
Public Domain
A nice moderate swing tune based on rhythm changes and some nice Thad-like ensemble voicings. A strong sax soli and open solo sections make this chart an excellent teaching tool and concert selection for high school and college big bands.
This charts i available from iJazzMusic.com
Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4
Public Domain
Zephyr
An exciting Latin piece that features soprano sax and flugelhorn chart that was inspired by early Chuck Mangione and written for Gerry Niewood. This chart never gets dated and is a great closer.
This chart is now avaiable from iJazzMusic.com
Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4 (guitar is optional)
Zephyr
Boundaries
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)
Purchase this chart here from eJazzLines.
Boundaries
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