AMAZING GRACE - This arrangement was for a friend's wedding (in a Catholic church). The best part of the rehearsal was the look on the nun's eyes when they heard this "gospel/jazz" version of "Amazing Grace". It almost caused them to 'change their habit!' (NOTE: This chart is only available through University of Northern Colorado Jazz Press ((UNCJazzPress.com))

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GOT TO GET YOU INTO MY LIFE - This was originally a Beatles tune but this arrangement comes from a musical collision between the Earth, Wind and Fire and the Blood, Sweat and Tears arrangements. Very fun (IMHO).

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COOKIN' - This piece was written by Kevin Eubanks who used be the band leader for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In fact my choir at that time ("6.8" CSUN Jazz Vocal Ensemble) appeared on that show as a back up for Garth Brooks and got to sing it for Kevin and he loved it. I went to college with the lyricist (aka the kewl cat that sang the scat), Mark Ledford, (but in my arrangement I added the word "Cookin". See if you can find it). Your choir may love you forever because it's fun, it's easy and it's "gotta groove that sho nuff make ya wanna move!". This recipe has S-U-C-C-E-S-S written all over it. Order it now to START COOKIN!  

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THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER (THE NATIONAL ANTHEM) (I) - I have always had a fascination for the S-SB. In fact THIS ARRANGEMENT was almost selected to be sung for the Super Bowl XVI in Detroit, MI. (We lost out to some lady named Diana Ross...whoever she is). The hard part about making this arrangement is not to be to outside melodically or harmonically but still make it interesting. You'll really like the little difference when the piece goes to 4/4. I have five versions but only four survived. This is #I. This was one of my two best sellers at UNCJazzPress.com. (Numbers II, IV and V can be purchased here). (NOTE: S-SB (I) is only available through University of Northern Colorado Jazz Press

((UNCJazzPress.com)

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THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER (III) - This arrangement was written for the CSUN Jazz Choir known as "6.8" (after the earhquake). The 3/4 "ramparts" section was inspired by Wynton Marslis Super Bowl XX rendition. The hair of the harmonic and/or rhythmic dog may bite you at times, but put a band-aid on it and keep on singin'. When you finish, it will be worth the work.

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THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER (IV) - From the opening vocal riff you can hear the evolution of my S-SB series. This is the only arrangement of the S-SB series which was never performed which is too bad as it has some gems of its own. Rhythmically it's less active than before but we've taken some of the more traditional voicing and altered them. Not since S-SB (II) has an ending been so harmonically unique. Although this arrangement hasn't been performed yet I think if you try it, you'll like it.

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THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER (V) - Although this could perhaps be the easiest of the S-SBs, it is one of the most dynamic. The "ramparts" section is not in 3 anymore but it still stands out quite nicely. The rhythm and dissonance shines ever so brightly at "Oh say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave". The arrangement was for the Sounds of Honda a community choir from the Honda plant in Torrance, CA and sounds more difficult than it actually is. Positive impressions guaranteed.