Afro Blue — Big Band Arrangement by M.Sweeney

About This Arrangement

Afro Blue is a big band arrangement by M.Sweeney, bringing a classic jazz standard into a full ensemble setting with a vibrant, rhythmic feel. This chart leans into a Latin groove, offering a dynamic and engaging experience for both players and listeners. It's a great choice for bands looking to explore Afro-Cuban jazz rhythms.

This download includes 39 pages of individual instrument parts in a single PDF. No conductor score is included.

Mongo Santamaría's original "Afro Blue" is a foundational piece in Latin jazz, later popularized by John Coltrane. This arrangement provides an opportunity for a big band to interpret that rich harmonic and rhythmic language, making it a solid addition to a diverse repertoire. It’s a chart that will push your rhythm section and add some fire to your sax and brass sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What instruments are included in this arrangement of Afro Blue?

This arrangement of Afro Blue includes parts for 2 Alto Saxes, 2 Tenor Saxes, Baritone Sax, 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, Piano, Guitar, Bass, and Drums. It's set up for a standard big band instrumentation, providing a full sound for the ensemble.

What is the difficulty level of this Afro Blue big band chart?

This Afro Blue arrangement is suitable for intermediate to advanced big bands. It requires a solid rhythm section and comfortable brass and saxophone players to navigate its Latin-infused harmonies and rhythms effectively. It’s a rewarding challenge for a developing ensemble.

Does this download of Afro Blue include a full conductor score?

No, this download for Afro Blue does not include a full conductor score. It contains all the individual instrument parts necessary for performance, totaling 39 pages. Band directors should be comfortable working from the parts directly.

What style or genre is this big band arrangement of Afro Blue?

This big band arrangement of Afro Blue is firmly rooted in the Latin jazz genre, with strong Afro-Cuban influences. It maintains the rhythmic vitality of the original while adapting it for a large ensemble, making it a vibrant addition to any jazz program's repertoire.

How many pages are in this download and what exactly do I get?

This download contains 39 pages in a single PDF file. You will receive all the individual instrument parts for the big band arrangement of Afro Blue. This allows each musician to have their specific part for performance, ready for printing.

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