The Extra Mile

Description

Featuring a duet of Alto Sax and Flugelhorn on the melody, this bright samba moves effortlessly into a swing groove for the B section of the tune. The distinctive harmonic vocabulary of the chart helps make it a standout at this level. There is solo space for Tenor and Bari, followed by a soft and rhythmic ensemble section.

Program Notes

This piece alternates between samba and swing. In order to do this seamlessly each style needs to be played lightly, with buoyancy. The samba should feel light, with a slight emphasis on the third beat in the Bass and Drums. The swing should be driving, with accents on two and four on the Ride Cymbal. The drummer has the task of setting up the band for each style change.

From a dynamics standpoint, your best tool is your ears. The dynamics on the page are subjective, so listen to what’s happening around you and adjust in order to create balance.

The notated solos can be played verbatim, used as a starting point, or simply as a piece of inspiration for fully improvised solos. Similarly, unless rhythmically specific, the notated chords in the Piano part are suggested voicings, and rhythm should be applied ad lib by the pianist.

The ensemble section needs to continue the light feel of earlier in the piece. The rhythm section stops playing its usual accompaniment here, so be sure to listen carefully and watch the director so as not to rush. The Drums here should be pretty matter-of-fact, without many embellishments.

Most of all, this piece should be fun! It should invoke feelings of joy and celebration from beginning to end. So have fun with it!