Original Scores
Downloadable Song Charts
About the Scores
I have written quite a few songs over the years, and then completely forgotten about them until chance throws the songs back into my face. A recent discovery of such a song has caused me to start publishing my tunes on the web, both to offer them to the world and just to simply refresh my memory...
Some of these scores are written in Allegro/Finale, others are in Sibelius 5. The Big Band charts are all Sibelius. Big Band charts are written for 4 trumpets, 4 trombones (one bass) and 5 saxes plus rhythm.
About the Big Band Scores
These arrangements are for full 16-piece band, with four trumpets, five saxes and four trombones or three bones and bass trombone, plus rhythm section - piano, bass drums and optional guitar. They have all been played by our local big band, but are not yet tight enough to record - as soon as possible, I will put up live examples.in the meanwhile, the MP3 reference files may contain large solo spaces, with just rhythm background - feel free to solo over these for practice. Also, the drum parts are completely unrealized - only a basic swing pattern, no solos.
About the Rights
These scores are copyright © 2008 by David Kempton and The Soundsmith, and all rights are reserved. You are free to perform the songs wherever you would like. You may also record any of these songs, but standard recording compensation royalty agreements are applicable.
About the Tunes
Big Greasy Elephant was my first odd-meter big band arrangement. In 1967 I was rehearsing with a Baltimore big band that played Don Ellis arrangements before Don saw them. The composer had written an 11/8 tune with a 4-4-3 feel. While we were playing it, it occurred to me that 3-3-3-2 was far more powerful, as the 'missing' beat had the effect of propelling the groove along and keeping it moving. The result was this song.
For Jimmy was written the night of Jimmy Smith's passing. I was on my way hopme from my regular gig when I heard the news. i went directly to my studio, turned on the organ and this song came out.
For non-organ groups, the fluegelhorn is lead, tenor is harmony, play the end chorus counterpoint line only if you have enough instruments, else play it before the last head out.
The big band version incorporates all the sections including the ensenvle drum fours.
You Just My Size is a funky, nasty, Dr. John-meets-Randy Newman kind of slow boogaloo, or swump. Play as an instrumental if no vocalist.
Padiddle is a fun, funny hip-hop groove. Open it up for solos and free the structure, or alternate hip-hop and swing, or take it all the way outside.
Kinder, Gentler Groove is a basic, 30s-style Basie-era swing tune with a twist. Watch out for the harmony, you wind up in a different key than you start!
The big band version is the original, from 1990.
Rina's Eyes was written for my wife on our 25th anniversary. Play it with love...
Pete's Pearl is named for Pete Fallico, the gentleman who got me back into the 'real deal' Hammonds, after years of trying to convince myself that a clone was enough. It was premiered at Jazz at Pearl's in San Francisco. thus...
