Guajirakere
Big Band - Sheet Music

SKU: WA.56508

This simple guajira stays largely withing the traditional I-IV-V harmonic framework associated with this Cuban dance form. The unique character of this chart is created by attractive melodies, subtle orchestrational shadings and ever-changing interludes. Two cup-muted trombones introduce an arpeggiated figure accompanied only by a guiro. Then, along with the drumset, the real bass line begins (played on tuba or bass). Over this gentle-but-steady motor, a cup-muted trumpet sings a simple tune. Eight bars later, flutes and saxes join forces for a short bridge. The melody of the second chorus is stated by flute and muted trumpet in octaves with a fuller underpinning. This builds to another bridge which leads into the flugelhorn solo. The soloist plays 8 bars with the rhythm section before saxes and brass are layered into the mix. This time, the bridge is slightly extended (by way of a brief chorale for saxes and low brass) and modulates one whole-step down to set up a full-throated melody chorus, the only real tutti in the piece. Another extended bridge, more mysterious than the previous one, modulates back up to the original key for a flute solo. This solo section can be played more aggressively by the rhythm section (conjunto-style) and there are lots of cheeky, interlocking background figures for the band. One final variation of the bridge leads into a brief recap of the opening which fragments and fades to a quiet close. Trumpet high C. Flute, Alto/Fl, T, T, B, 4, 4, Optl Tuba, Vibes, G, P, B, D.