Jazz Ensemble Ballads

One of Carlos Santana's more memorable compositions is this instrumental hit from 1976. Along with Santana's own recording, the version by saxophonist Gato Barbieri also became a hit that same year. This

Adele's megahit ballad adapts nicely for young players in this well-paced arrangement by Rick Stitzel. A solo alto sax starts things out, then the melody is passed to the trombones, and then the full band

Summer Soulstice is a soulfully cool ballad that features either a trumpet, flugelhorn or soprano saxophone soloist. Beautifully relaxed in straight eighth-note style, it's well-crafted with the

Mike Carubia has rescored this sensitive Thad Jones jazz ballad in the lower key of C Major for greater accessibility while retaining all the original lines and character. The breathing, phrasing

What Will Be is a slow, rock ballad to feature either alto sax, trombone or trumpet/flugelhorn soloists. With a beautifully conceived melody the solo part is highly emotional, lyrical and

One of the last original pieces composed by the late Fred Sturm, this may be one of the most beautiful. Sensitively arranged by David Springfield as a quiet ballad concert piece with no improvisation,

Here is a beautiful and creative adaptation of the familiar theme from Dvorak's "New World" Symphony. This arrangement is just what you need for that ballad spot for any performance. Written as a trumpet or

This laid-back and sultry ballad, set around 62 bpm, features a written alto sax solo that is wonderfully melodic with an optional section for improvisation in the key of F major. The full

Looking for a perfect change-of-pace for your next program or festival? This beautiful ballad gives you the opportunity to showcase either your alto sax, trumpet or flugelhorn soloist. The pensive melody is

Here's one of those outstanding charts where the title vividly describes the contents. Paying homage to the great Neal Hefti and the iconic Count Basie Orchestra, Patrick Williams has composed a chart

Here's a beautiful bluesy Fats Waller ballad originally from 1929 that's very playable by young jazz groups. The tempo is around 82 bpm with a straight-eighth ballad feel, there are smooth and