The Best Jazz Ensemble Sheet Music

Find the best jazz ensemble sheet music for your band at Musicnotes.com. Our catalog has something for everyone, from the novice to the professional.

Introduction

Jazz ensembles can bring a touch of elegance and fun to any occasion. While many people think of jazz as only a style of music, it is actually an approach to making music that is based on improvisation and interaction among the musicians. If you are planning a wedding, corporate event, or other special occasion, a jazz ensemble can add just the right touch.

When you are looking for jazz ensemble sheet music, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that the music is appropriate for the occasion. Second, you want to find music that the ensemble will enjoy playing. And finally, you want to find music that will challenge the ensemble and help them grow as musicians.

Here are some of our top picks for jazz ensemble sheet music:

“Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington: This classic tune is perfect for any occasion. It is challenging enough to keep the ensemble on their toes, but still accessible for less experienced players.

“All of Me” by Frank Sinatra: This classic love song is perfect for weddings and other romantic occasions. It features a beautiful melody that will make your guests fall in love all over again.

“Autumn Leaves” by Joseph Kosma: This haunting tune is perfect for adding a touch of mystery to your event. It features a unique harmonic structure that will challenge any ensemble.

“Fly Me to the Moon” by Bart Howard: This timeless standard is perfect for any occasion. It is both fun and challenging, making it perfect for ensembles of all experience levels.

The Best Jazz Ensemble Sheet Music

When it comes to the best jazz ensemble sheet music, there are many factors to consider. The first is the level of difficulty. You want to make sure that the music is challenging enough to keep the interest of your ensemble, but not so difficult that it becomes frustrating. The next thing to consider is the style of the music.

Thelonious Monk – Straight, No Chaser

This is one of the most famous pieces by Thelonious Monk, and it has been recorded by many different artists. The piece is in a 12-bar blues format, and the melody is fairly easy to learn. The harmony is where this piece gets interesting, as Monk uses a lot of chromaticism and dissonance. This makes the piece sound very unique and modern, even though it was written over 60 years ago.

Duke Ellington – Take the “A” Train

Duke Ellington’s most well known composition, “Take the “A” Train” was written in 1941 for his big band. The Duke Ellington Orchestra had its heyday in the 1930s and 1940s, but the band continued to be popular through the years. Members of the ensemble included some of the most famous jazz musicians of all time, such as trumpet player Cootie Williams, alto saxophonist Ben Webster, and baritone saxophonist Harry Carney.

Charlie Parker – Donna Lee

“Donna Lee” is a bebop composition by Charlie Parker. The melody is based on the changes of the chord progression of “My Little Suede Shoes” by Charlie Christian.

The first recorded version of “Donna Lee” was by Parker’s sextet on August 29, 1947, for the Savoy label. The personnel on that recording were Parker (alto saxophone), Miles Davis (trumpet), Duke Jordan (piano), Tommy Potter (bass), and Max Roach (drums).

The composition has become a jazz standard, having been recorded by many artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Fats Navarro, Dexter Gordon, Art Blakey, Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, Lee Morgan, and Grant Green.

Miles Davis – So What

So What is the first track on Miles Davis’ 1959 album Kind of Blue. It is one of the most influential and best-known examples of modal jazz, and is considered one of the most important jazz compositions of all time. The piece is on many critical lists, including those compiled by Rolling Stone, Time and The Guardian. So What uses two key centers, D♭ and E♭, which are established by the opening melody and bassline. The improvised solos never stray far from these two tonal centers.

Conclusion

There you have it! Our roundup of the best jazz ensemble sheet music. We hope you found something to help you create the perfect jazz sound.