Complex City

Recorded by the Jazz Interactions Orchestra

Jazz Big Band Arrangement

This composition by Oliver Nelson was recorded by the Jazz Interactions Orchestra in 1967, an ensemble led by pianist Billy Taylor. This is a brilliant and innovative piece of music. Less of an arrangement and more of a full-length composition, this features reeds on a variety of woodwinds and a percussion section including vibes, xylophone, timpani, and claves. This percussion part is meant to be played by a single person. There are many meter shifts including 3/4, 3/8, 3/16, 6/16, 5/8, 7/8, and 6/4! Oliver wrote this arrangement without a key signature and we have not included one. The first half of the composition is more classical inspired than jazz. There are Copland and Bartok influences throughout. An 8-bar drum solo leads the group into a bright swing feel for an open solo section. Solos are featured for piano, tenor saxophone, and trumpet. If your band can pull it off, this would make a fantastic concert or festival piece. Ranges: Trumpet 1: to F6; Trombone 1: to Bb4

Contemporary/Swing - Advanced

Full Score, Reed 1: Clarinet/Alto Saxophone, Reed 2: Flute/Alto Saxophone, Reed 3: Flute/English Horn/Oboe/Tenor Saxophone Reed 4: Clarinet/Tenor Saxophone, Reed 5: Flute/Bass Clarinet/Baritone Saxophone, 4 Trumpets, 2 Horns in F, 4 Trombones, Tuba, Piano, 2 Bassists, Drums, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Timpani, Claves.

Contemporary/Swing - Advanced

Full Score, Reed 1: Clarinet/Alto Saxophone, Reed 2: Flute/Alto Saxophone, Reed 3: Flute/English Horn/Oboe/Tenor Saxophone Reed 4: Clarinet/Tenor Saxophone, Reed 5: Flute/Bass Clarinet/Baritone Saxophone, 4 Trumpets, 2 Horns in F, 4 Trombones, Tuba, Piano, 2 Bassists, Drums, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Timpani, Claves.