Big Band (5/4/4)

• Style: Count Basie Swing
• Grade 4: High School / Collegiate
• ~5:20-6:00 minutes
• Soloists: Trumpet 2 and Trombone 2

This piece is meant to be a tribute to Neal Hefti’s “Cute” for the Count Basie band. It is entitled “Blondie” after my girlfriend Laura and is written to tell part of the story of how we met. It goes from time no changes, to melody , to chords, to backgrounds and solis as we get to know each other and showcases our conversation in the two soloists. It then winds down expressing how difficult it is to say goodbye after spending a summer together by tagging not once, not twice, but three times. This chart is great for a sax section that can handle a soli and drummer who can really get inside the brushes, and is meant to be swinging and fun for everyone.

*This chart also includes a secondary Alto Sax 1 part if you have a lead player who doubles on ute, really bringing the Basie sound to life.