Composer & Arranger
Jim Martin
Jim Martin has been arranging for big band since high school, beginning by transcribing lead lines from Glenn Miller records and filling in the harmony the best he knew how. Since then he has composed and arranged hundreds of charts from big band to jazz combo, to orchestra and everything in between. He received Bachelor of Music degrees in both Performance and Music Theory from Michigan State University. Jim then went on to be a graduate assistant and received a Master's Degree in Jazz and Commercial Music at DePaul University in Chicago. His private teachers included Manny Mendolsohn, Cliff Colnot, Larry Novak, and the late, great Frank Mantooth. Jim's charts can be heard on numerous professional and big band recordings including the Rob Parton Jazz Tech Big Band, the University of WI/Milwaukee jazz ensemble, the Stan Bann Big Band, the University of TX at Austin, Art Farmer's Big Band, and many others. Credits also include string and big band arrangements on 5 CD's for Chicago singer Jean Laughlin. Big band commissions have come from Rob Parton, the U.S. Airmen of Note, Univ. of WI/Milwaukee, Evanston Township HS, Lake County Community College, University of Portland, Air Force Falconaires, and numerous other high school, college, and pro bands across the U.S. Originally from the Midwest, Jim now lives and works in the Sarasota, FL area.
Big Band Charts
Sweet Georgia Brown
Arr. Jim Martin
17 piece big band · Level 3 1/2
This chart is a fun and straight ahead version of the old classic standard. The chart features the band as well as a variety of soloists, including a “stop time” solo for trombone. Trumpet does not go very high, so this chart is playable by even good high school bands. Take the tempo as you see fit, but not too fast!
Dear Old Stockholm
Arr. Jim Martin
17 piece big band
Dear Old Stockholm has been a favorite of college and pro bands for a few years. The tune is based on a Swedish folksong, and was recorded most notably by Miles Davis. The chart opens with an extended piano solo, ala Chick Corea. This chart is a hard driving swing chart that features open blowing sections over D minor blues. It builds in the ensemble during an extended drum solo (in time). Enuf said.
Main St. News
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band · Level 3 1/2
Main St. News is a straight ahead Basie style tune featuring solos by tenor sax and piano. I took a few summer classes at the Eastman School of Music in the summer of 1983. This chart was named after the little store near the school where more than one quart of beer was purchased for a late night of copying parts. (no Finale back then!)
Doxy
Arr. Jim Martin
17 piece big band
Doxy is a straight ahead swing chart on the classic Sonny Rollins tune. It features a fun sax soli and a solo for second trombone. This chart is appropriate for pro and college level bands, and has been enjoyed by many excellent high school bands across the U.S. as well. Be sure to listen to the entire chart with the player below.
SUNY Triangle
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band · Level 4 1/2
SUNY Triangle is the big band version of the chart of the same name that was commissioned by Rick Holland for small band. The chart is set in an easy latin feel over the changes to the wonderful tune Triste. Features tenor solos and piano as well as a 3 part fugal section meant to challenge the horn players. This is a fun one to play and rehearse. NOTE: The recording is the small 10 piece band version.
The Count Is In
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band
The Count Is In was commissioned by the Illinois Association of Jazz Educators a few years back. It is in the “Sammy Nestico/Basie” style, and is suitable for bands of High School level and above. Solos are in tenor sax, trumpet, trombone and piano. You can listen and view the score at the same time. The recording is the Rob Parton Jazz Tech Big Band.
Blues for Mr. P
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band
Blues for Mr. P is a fun uptempo blues that allows for many band members to blow over Bb blues. Solo sections can be opened up for as many choruses as needed. This recording features the fantastic trumpet soloing of Conti Condoli as well as other members of the Rob Parton Jazz Tech Big Band. This is a fun chart for players and listeners too. Take a listen.
Shuffle This
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band · Level 4
This is a 16 bar blues, medium swing. It is pretty straight ahead and fun to play. Includes a 32 bar saxophone soli. Solos can be open and are straight blues first, then when backgrounds come in the form of the tune takes over. Recorded by the Jazz Celebration Big Band – recorded live at Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA.
Bebop.com
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band
Bebop.com is a chart I did for the Univ. of WI @ Milwaukee jazz ensemble. This chart is based on rhythm changes and features an open solo section for different players to blow. Includes some modern twists and some hard swinging sections as well.
Semi-Mental Journey
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band
This chart is a fun one and a takeoff of the tune Sentimental Journey with a “rhythm changes” bridge thrown in the middle. Sort of “recomposition” in a way. I wrote this in a “Mintzer” type of style. I’ve always loved Bob’s charts and have been influenced by his writing over the years. Solos are in Trombone 1 and Alto 1.
Pocket Change
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band
Pocket Change was written in the Nestico uptempo swing style with a few modern twists. Solos are in Tenor and Trumpet. The recording is a “quick” reading of the chart by a university jazz ensemble.
Hole Lota Blues
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band
This is an uptempo blues in Bb with some challenging lines in the horns depending on the tempo you take. Solos can be opened up for your soloists to get their cookies off on the blues. This chart would make a good opener (or closer) on a concert. Ensemble sections are “nestico-like” – exciting and fast! The recording is the Roosevelt University jazz ensemble directed by Rob Parton.
Bird’s Eyeview
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band
Bird’s Eyeview is a chart that was commissioned by the Lake County Community College jazz ensemble directed by Bruce Mack. It’s an original uptempo swing tune that is based on the changes to Charlie Parker’s “Yardbird Suite”. The chart features a sax soli and solo for tenor sax but could be opened up for others. If you like uptempo bebop, you’ll enjoy Bird’s Eyeview. Recorded by the Jazz Celebration Big Band – recorded live at Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA.
Dreamer of Dreams
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band
Dreamer of Dreams is the only chart I’ve ever written in 3/4 time. At the time of its writing, I was listening to a lot of Bob Florence charts, so I believe that this one is definitely influenced by Bob’s writing. The chart is fairly uptempo and features a lot of flute lead in Alto 1. Solo is for flugelhorn. This is a fun one if you are looking for something in the 3/4 time bag without sounding “waltzy”. Give it a listen.
The Count Steps Out
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band
The Count Steps Out is in the style of Sammy Nestico. The chart features written solos, along with a key change from Bb Major to Db Major. Trumpets stay in the staff so a strong lead trumpet player is not necessary. This piece was commissioned by the University of Portland Jazz Festival HS sight reading. Recording is by the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra.
Clam Chowder
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band
Clam Chowder is a minor blues that features solos in trumpet, trombone along with a saxophone soli. After this chart was written, I was alerted that the first few bars of my melody is just like a certain Stanley Turrentine tune. I must have heard that tune somewhere in my lifetime. I hate when that happens! This piece was commissioned by the University of Portland Jazz Festival HS sight reading. Recording is by the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra.
Laura
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band
Although this is a samba, you'll count 4 different style changes in this chart. Try to guess what the tune is in the first minute - I dare ya! The recording is the Rob Parton big band. There are flute doubles in the alto saxes.
Secret Love (Tpt Feature)
By Jim Martin
17 piece big band
This one is meant to be a trumpet feature (as you'll hear on the recording), but I really like the tune (and I don't play trumpet!) so I made it as a feature for bone, alto or tenor as well. Sorry bari players, but it just didn't make it for you. Commissioned by Rob Parton a few years ago, this chart is a fun one with fun changes. This was recorded "live" at Fitzgerald's Night Club by the Rob Parton Jazz Orchestra, Rob Parton trumpet.
Jingle Bells
Arr. Jim Martin
17 piece big band
This chart is a straight ahead swinger that features short solos in trumpet 2 and trombone 2. Trumpet ranges are conservative for the most part. The chart also features a 16 bar saxophone soli. Fun to play around the holiday season (or any season!) when you need a happy swinging tune to play. NOTE: The audio recording is performed by the Pete Ellman big band from the greater Chicago area. This tune is one of many Christmas tunes from their latest CD, 12 Grooves of Christmas.
Silent Night
Arr. Jim Martin
17 piece big band
This arrangement is a fresh look at an old tune. The time signature is 4/4 and the style is bossa nova. Lots of alternate changes in this one, so it is fun to solo over as well. Trumpet range is very conservative so this one can be played by younger bands too. NOTE: The audio recording is performed by the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra.
St. Thomas
Arr. Jim Martin
17 piece big band
This is a fun chart on the classic Calypso tune, fun for both listeners and players alike. There is a written solo and a tenor sax solo, as well as an open section later in the chart. A key change uplifts the ending.
Big Band w/ Female Vocal
A Work in Progress
By Jim Martin
Big band with female vocal
This is another fun chart that was done for Jean Laughlin’s latest CD “Miracle of Life”. It’s an uptempo swing vocal chart that features tenor sax and trombone. This recording features Jean Laughlin along with solos by Tom Garling (trombone) and Mark Colby (tenor). Another fun chart to feature your female vocalist.
Smile
By Jim Martin
Big band with female vocal
This is a chart that was done for Jean Laughlin’s latest CD “Miracle of Life”. “Smile” combines both a nice easy Basie feel, along with sections of double X. These sections balance out nicely. Solo is in tenor sax 1.
It's OK to Disagree
By Jim Martin
Big band with female vocal
This is another fun chart that was done for Jean Laughlin’s latest CD What Am I Looking For? It’s an uptempo chart that is right out of the 40’s swing dance band era. This recording features Jean Laughlin along with solos by Tom Garling (trombone) and Jim Gailloreto (tenor). Another fun chart to feature your female vocalist.
Take a Risk
By Jim Martin
Big band with female vocal
This is a chart that was done for Jean Laughlin’s latest CD What Am I Looking For? Jean and I have collaborated on a few CD’s over the years. The charts are mainly for string orchestra but we do sneak a few big band arrangements in too. “Take a Risk” is a bluesy 3/4 time tune with some hard driving figures in the band. (Actually the whole band is chock full of great players!) Feature your female vocalist on this one.
Own Up
By Jim Martin
Big band with female vocal
Own Up is a blues 12/8 feel swinger that begins with a rubato section for female vocalist and piano. This recording features Jean Laughlin along with the soulful tenor work of Jim Gailloreto. Another fun chart to feature your female vocalist.
Party Down
By Jim Martin
Big band with female vocal
This chart is a fun medium swing chart. Solo changes are similar to Doxy changes. Solo section can be open if desired.
Paper Moon
By Jim Martin
Big band with female vocal
This is a fun female vocal chart on the old standard Paper Moon. Fun for the band as well. Recording is done by the Rob Parton Big Band. Soloist is Kristy Parton.
Big Band w/ Male Vocal
The Devil's Daughter
Composed by Joel Evans & Adryan Russ · Arr. Jim Martin
Big band with male vocal
This is a fun, easy swing tune that features male vocal and big band. Solo is in Alto 1, and can be expanded if needed. Chart includes lead sheet for vocalist. Listen below to a professional studio recording of this chart.
The Magic of You
Composed by Joel Evans & Adryan Russ · Arr. Jim Martin
Big band with male vocal
Another fun swing tune that features male vocal and big band. Solos are in Tenor Sax and Trumpet. Chart includes lead sheet for vocalist.