Little Brown Jug

First released in 1954, this easy-level setting of the 19th-century folk song popularized by Glenn Miller in 1939 begins with an 8-bar marcato intro before settling into the familiar medium swing groove. The thematic build is gradual and dramatic -- saxes alone, then saxes with trombones, then saxes, trombones and trumpets together -- and the finishing shout is loud and strong. All rhythm section parts are fully notated, brass rhythms are very accessible (G5 trumpet, F4 trombone), and no improvisation is required. This scoring for full big band is also playable by as few as 3 saxes, 3 brass and rhythm, and each set includes optional parts for tuba and vibes.