The
James Bazen Big Band
Merry
Christmas Take One
The Tunes
Sleigh
Ride:
A happy-go-lucky Latin arrangement by Dave Wolpe. It features
bright orchestration and a fat tenor solo by Jeff Gray.
Have
Yourself A Merry Little Christmas:
An arrangement by James Bazen that starts with a warm,
velvety clarinet solo then develops into a bright Bossa
Nova with Christina Crerar on vocals.
God
Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen:
A "west coast" style arrangement by James Bazen. Acoustic
bass states the melody up front and then the trombone
section kicks in - eventually becoming an intricate Bach-like
interplay for trombone, trumpet and alto sax. Very cool
solos by James Bazen on alto, Jerry O'Sullivan on trombone
and Jeff Gray on tenor.
White
Christmas:
Christina Crerar sings this Irving Berlin classic. This
is a very danceable arrangement by Roger Holmes. Trumpeter
Kyle Funn swings his way through a hot solo.
Silent
Night:
A unique arrangement by James Bazen with a little bit
for everyone. It starts out with the traditional brass
quartet which gives way to a bouncy 1960's rock and roll
beat. Wailing blues organ by Larry Brown! Raucous tenor
sax solo by Jeff Gray! Screaming guitar solo by Leonard
Stevens! Who could ask for more?
My
Favorite Things:
Patty McKay sings this aggressive jazz standard arranged
by James Bazen. It features a dialogue between soprano
sax and vocals similar in style to Cleo Lane and John
Dankworth.
Christmas
Time Is Here:
This arrangement by David Blackstone captures the beauty
and innocence of "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Kyle Funn
(trumpet) and Larry Brown (no relation to Charlie!) on
piano have some quality play time.
O
Christmas Tree:
A swinging Bazen arrangement of a Christmas favorite.
The coy vocals by Christina Crerar set this up as a light-hearted
romp. Larry Brown, Don Lerman (bari) and Robert Wagner
(bass) put in their own whimsical 2 cents worth as well.
The
Christmas Song:
Paul Jennings' beautiful arrangement of "the Christmas
song to end all Christmas songs" takes full advantage
of the band's lush, tender side.
Let
It Snow:
Another "swinging little number" from Roger Holmes perfectly
executed by Christina Crerar's vocals. "I give it a ten
- it's got a great beat and you can dance to it!"
Silver
Bells:
Halley Shoenberg shows she has what it takes in the arranging
department. This tune is transformed from and ordinary
holiday ditty to a groovy jazz waltz sung by Christina
Crerar. Check out Mike Davis' agile muted trumpet solo!
Jesus
Loves Me:
James Bazen's intensely emotional
rendition of this children's tune. Calming brass and haunting
solos by pianist Larry Brown, trumpeter Kyle Funn and
saxist Halley Shoenberg will touch even the most cynical
listener.
The
"Spirit" Of Christmas Present:
Originally released as "The Funky
Little Drummer Boy" this hard-edged arrangement by James
Bazen takes on a new meaning as stated in the liner
notes:
The
holidays are a time of peace, joy and good will toward
men. But is the true spirit of Christmas present really
a cacophony of stress, commercialism, depression and violence?
Most of these arrangements for big band are available
for purchase from Music Unlimited.
They
are professionally laid out using Finale notation software
and include a bound conductor's score. For more information
go to the cyber-store.
James
Bazen is also available to arrange tunes for your band
or orchestra. Call (301)948-5419 or e-mail
James Bazen for rates.
