Blues and Swing Jazz Ensemble Charts

Inspired by the classic version recorded by Count Basie, here is a terrific up-tempo swing chart suitable for younger bands. The melody is passed from section to section while building to a full-band

Originally recorded by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in 1960, this Wayne Shorter classic was written in honor of Lester Young and swings hard from beginning to end. This exciting chart opens with the

Inspired by the composer's very first trip to The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois, this thrilling chart soars in a swinging waltz arrangement for jazz ensemble, creating a whirlwind adventure for

Add this great medium-swing classic from the Ellington catalog of standards to your file of standards! What a perfect addition to any combo library.

What a happy swing chart! It starts with the full ensemble and lots of drum fills before moving into a gentle piano statement of the melody. Then the trombones start their "kicks," soon joined by the

This uptempo blues in F swings hard from start to finish! With lots of big ensemble hits, a firey sax soli, and lots of space for ad-lib solos, this chart is a burner! The lead trumpet plays to a high

Arranged in a medium swing Basie style, this sultry chart is a terrific feature for a trumpet soloist. There are plenty of tasty ensemble accompaniment figures along the way, and the solo part is completely

This classic blues swinger is a perfect fit for your young band. The first trumpet range is to written F-sharp top line, written-out solos indicated for alto sax, tenor sax, and optionally trombone, and a

A swingin' blues but with a fun twist: 13-bar blues! Suggested solos are written for tenor sax, trumpet, trombone, and some brief drum set fills. The trumpet range is up to a written E top space. Your

This swingin' jazz piece is inspired by the Ferde Grofé composition On the Trail from the "Grand Canyon Suite." After a short alto sax solo, there is a cool unison line for the band with

Here's a blues chart that will surprise you at every turn! This one takes the traditional 12-bar blues and turns it sideways. Definitely a hip chart to look at if you need something that colors outside the

This happy-go-lucky medium swing is sure to bring a smile to the face of everyone in the audience. A great melody, fun harmony, engaging rhythms, a solid sax soli, and a good focus on the ii-V progression

This medium bright blues swing features a written piano solo off the top. Everyone gets a turn at the melody as the chart develops, and there is some fun interplay between the saxes and brass after the solo

Alternating between an easy two feel and a shuffle four, this solid chart just sounds great. Very playable, full sounding, and appealing. Changes and written solos for trumpets, trombones, alto sax, and

The Ellington band was famous for laying down a swinging groove, and this chart based on the chord changes to In a Mellow Tone is a great way to introduce this feel to younger ensembles. Featuring

A nice throwback, this swing chart highlights all the great aspects of the bands from the 40s and 50s while still sounding fresh. The wailing sax lines and punchy brass along with a solid swing groove are