  Home B.M.P. BTWHSPVA Articles Interviews Reviews Books Biography Videos Photos Calendar Music Links Contact Sara Marantz Matt Marantz Luke Marantz
Bart Marantz NPR/KERA Jazz Education Interview    Click below to listen to the interview  Click below to read the article 
|
 Reviews "Low Down Slow Blues" Written and Arranged by: Paul Clark Instrumentation: Big Band Publisher: C.L. Barnhouse Company Grade: 3 Swing/Slow Blues Tempo = 84 $38.00 Here is a chart that does exactly what the title says. “Low Down, Slow Blues” is just that and is an excellent vehicle for the young band who wants to play in the basic form of our language, namely the blues. What makes this chart very good, though, is the written lines over the Bb blues changes that Paul Clark provides us. This chart allows the student musician to “play” authentic swinging lines in a tempo that will allow him/her to grow in this basic and very important form. The rhythm section starts the chart off and just four measures from the beginning the entire ensemble is involved in the head. On the second chorus there is some interplay between sections, brass and woodwinds, and this continues into the solo section at letter 17. The chart is really a vehicle for letter 17, which is open for soloists at the discretion of the director. Backgrounds are written for all solos and could even be used as a tuti soli section if the director feels this option fits the band. What better form to learn to play jazz on then a Bb blues? With excellent writing and ranges for brass that are within reach of even a young band this chart will work in almost any middle school or high school setting. Top note for trumpet is written Eb in the staff. Bart Marantz
|
