Big Band (5/4/4)

• Style: Medium-Slow Swing
• Grade 4: High School / Collegiate
• ~6-9 minutes
• Soloists: Trombone 1, Tenor Sax. 2 or Trumpet 4, Drumset

This arrangement of the great J.J. Johnson chart “Shortcake” features the lead trombonist. It pays homage to the original big band chart while also featuring a new ensemble trading section with the trombone soloist, which takes influence from Michael Dease’s solo on the tune. The chart also has room for a second soloist, either tenor sax or harmon mute trumpet, to get into the smoky jazz club changes. It then opens up for a mellow drum solo (a contrast to most drum solos) before leading to the trading section mentioned previous. While the harmony is complex, the overall modal sound and simple rhythms make this chart fun and accessible to many bands looking to feature some talented soloists.

It is also worth mentioning that the drum solo can be opened up or shortened, and the second horn solo can be removed entirely via a cut from the end of bar 62 to bar 95 (F). These alterations along with playing all solo sections (and backgrounds) once or twice make this chart extremely flexible in length and difficulty.