Jazz Kings by Travis J. Weller Concert Band - Sheet Music

SKU: CF.YPS271F

ISBN 9781491166079. UPC: 680160925124. 9 x 12 inches. Key: C minor.

Holiday music abounds with unique treatments and settings of carols and songs in many different styles. One of the challenges of creating a new and unique setting of just one of those songs is infusing a distinct style that enhances the original. Jazz stylings can be found on any number of pieces in the holiday canon. I especially thankful for my time with Chaz Baker at Kent State University who enhanced my knowledge and opened my ears to a new way to listen to jazz. As I thought about setting the carol We Three Kings, my mind immediately connected to two artists who could be considered jazz “royalty”: Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Shades of It Don’t Mean a Thing and One o’ Clock Jump emerge around the carol tune as it moves between sections of 4/4 and 3/4 time. The work has a threefold purpose for students: 1) to familiarize them with well-known carols, 2) to give them experience playing in a jazz style, and 3) to connect them to two artists that are essential to American music and jazz. I hope your holiday concert swings into style as you perform Jazz Kings!