Ted Heath

Ol' Man River

Transcribed from the original Johnny Keating chart, Ol' Man River is an absolute screamer of a chart, from the time when the Ted Heath band was at its height. Heath recorded two slightly different versions of the chart, the only difference being that the 'Palladium Revisited' chart kicks off in G before modulating to Bb then Ab, whilst the 'Kern for Moderns' version starts in Bb. We prefer this Palladium version and offer it for you here. This is a fast, tough chart, particularly for the brass. Lead Trumpet (Bobby Pratt) hits high G, and 2nd Trumpet (Bert Courtley) high F. Trombones 3 & 4 need to reach high Bb, with 1 & 2 reaching C. It is not for the faint hearted. The Trumpet solo is improvised, and written on the 2nd part. The Piano, Bass & Guitar parts are from chords. Whilst not a long arrangement, it is a showstopper if you can pull it off! There are no Sax doubles.