Blues for Gum – Full Score

Description

More advanced groups have come to know that Mike Tomaro’s name on a piece means that the music is of the highest quality. Now musicians at the medium level can explore Mike’s talents as well. This straight-ahead swing chart lets everyone get in on the action. There is plenty of full ensemble work throughout the chart, and the blues-based changes provide ample solo space. A superb choice for concert or festival.

Program Notes

I wrote this composition with all the great Count Basie blues recordings in mind. It is written in a relaxed swing style, so be sure to pay attention to the indicated metronome marking. The opening chorus (measures 5-16) is reminiscent of the Basie small group recordings; please reference some of those to get a feel for this, stylistically. At measure 17, the Saxes pick up the melody and the brass provide commentary, again sounding very much like the Basie big band recordings. Though measure 29 is marked forte, be sure to save some for the fortissimo shout chorus later in the arrangement. There are two solo sections starting at measures 41 & 70. The “ink” gives each soloist two choruses, the first with the rhythm section and the second with added horn background lines. In each of these sections, there is an optional repeat to go back for a second soloist with provided written solos for all. There are also options for other soloists here if desired. Measures 41-52 and 70-82 could be opened for any number of soloists, cueing backgrounds when desired. At the end of the solo sections, be sure to bring the volume way down for the ensemble section at measure 96. This will make the fortissimo shout chorus at measure 108 even more effective. The recapitulation starts with the pickups into measure 120. Be sure to bring the volume back down to mezzo forte. This will make the final two measures, written at fortie, even more effective.