Bernie's Tune

Jazz Big Band Arrangement. Full Score, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, 2 Baritone Saxophones, 3 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Bass, Drums,

In 1960, Bill Holman was flown to New York from California to help build up the book for Gerry Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band. Bernie's Tune was probably written during this period. From all accounts, this arrangement was rarely if ever played. Mulligan's concept of the Concert Jazz Band was a 'large' small group. He wanted the enlarged sound of several musicians with the looseness of the rhythm section found in small groups, particularly his own quartet and sextet. Bernie's Tune in particular is an opportunity for improvisation for baritone sax (Mulligan), tenor sax (perhaps Zoot Sims), trumpet (Conte Candoli?) and trombone (Bob Brookmeyer). This is a straightforward version of the well-known tune, with classic Holman counterpoint. There is a gag at the end when the band launches into an old-timey version of Julius Fucik's Entry of the Gladiators . Ranges: Trumpet 1: to C6 Trombone 1: to Ab4 Trombone 2: to A4