Boplicity

Gil Evans set up shop in his small New York apartment above a Chinese laundry acting as an adviser to a group of jazz musicians. Evans was already well-known as an adventurous arranger who took inspiration from classical composers of the day. Miles Davis was trying to separate himself from the bebop club scene, of which he was a part in Charlie Parker's groups. In 1947 Davis and Evans organized a group of musicians into a working nonet and began to rehearse some new material. The musicians that were in the group included: Miles Davis (trumpet), Mike Zwerin (trombone), Bill Barber (tuba), Junior Collins (French horn), Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone), Lee Konitz (alto saxophone), John Lewis (piano), Al McKibbon (bass), and Max Roach (drums). The emphasis of this group was the arrangements and the re-definition of the current jazz scene. They invented what came to be known as the 'cool school.'
In 1949 Davis enlisted Gerry Mulligan, John Lewis, Gil Evans and Johnny Carisi to write 12 arrangements that were recorded by Capitol Records. Three recording sessions over the next year yielded the famous 'Birth of the Cool' record.
This Gil Evans arrangement is quite possibly one of the most famous jazz arrangements of all time. And, we're pleased to present it here as-recorded, directly from the original manuscript. All solos have been transcribed, though chord changes are included in the event that your players wish to improvise instead. This is not a complicated arrangement and is within reach of most proficient bands. Solos are featured for baritone sax, trumpet, and piano. An alternate B flat part for the French horn is included that may be played by a second trumpet or a tenor sax. And, the tuba part may be played by a bass trombone. If there was ever a must-have arrangement, this is it. This Jeffrey Sultanof Master Edition comes with complete performance and historical notes.
Contents
Horn 1: Alto Saxophone
Horn 2: Baritone Saxophone
Horn 3: Trumpet
Horn 4: Horn in F (or Trumpet 2 or Tenor Sax)
Horn 5: Trombone
Horn 6: Tuba (or Bass Trombone)
Piano
Bass
Drums