Grade Level - 4.5

"Summer Groove" is a latin tune I wrote for jazz combo around 15 years ago. This arrangement was done sometime last year and one of the arrangements that I am most proud of. The tune is pretty simple, but as usual for my songs, the chord structure is fairly complex, especially the material written after the solo section. This arrangement begins with a slow rubato section, then at m6, a steady latin samba-like rhythm is set-up in the bass and drums (m5 may be used as a count-off measure). There is a nasty unison band section at m.55 where, at the directors discretion, players may be cut to sound clean. The solo section is open, with changes in the 1st alto, 1st trpt and 1st trombone. Guitar, piano, and/or bass solos would also be appropriate. The feel stays samba-like until m.81, where the time is suspended, set up by the triplets played on various cymbals of the trap-set. The samba-like feel resumes at m.85. Overall, this arrangement is very original and exciting and would be a great addition to the latin genre of any big band concert.