Composer & Arranger
Frank Mantooth
On Friday, January 30th, 2004, Frank died suddenly in his hometown of Garden City, KS. A tremendous contributor to big band music, an amazing pianist and jazz educator and family man, Frank will be missed the world over by the jazz world and everyone he touched during his lifetime. Frank will be remembered as one of the foremost contemporary big band writers, and in my opinion one of only a few that has developed a “signature” style. His bio reads like a who’s who of the jazz world. Hundreds of big band charts published, jazz ed materials for beginners and advanced players. Thanks for all the memories and the great music Frank!
Big Band Charts
Slave Labor
By Frank Mantooth
17 piece big band · Level 4
This chart was commissioned by Buddy Charles of Las Vegas, NV. Slave Labor is a hard driving minor blues, along the same lines as Cannonball’s Work Song. Solos are in Trombone and Alto. Your band will have a lot of fun with this one. About a level 4, Slave Labor is straight ahead enough to read down on the gig – still sounds great though with lots of hard driving ensemble sections. Middle section features unaccompanied horns before shout section.
Wrong Highway Blues
By Frank Mantooth
17 piece big band
Another Frank Mantooth original that is set in a medium swing style. Although it’s called a blues, the changes are vintage Mantooth. Wrong Highway Blues features a solo in Tenor 1. Playable by most good high school bands, this chart works well with college or pro bands as well.
Dardanelle
By Frank Mantooth
17 piece big band
Commissioned from Frank Mantooth, this is a really nice bossa nova with a bridge. The chart is harmonically very interesting but easy enough for most high schools. Solo is in Trombone 1. Trumpet range only goes to F# concert, so a screaming lead player is not needed here. Listen to the recording and view the score above.
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