Billion Dollar Bill
by Frank Foster
Big Band - Sheet Music

Big band - Medium to difficult

SKU: WA.51237

Arranged by Frank Foster. Score and parts. Published by Walrus Music Publishing (WA.51237).

A medium-up tempo B-flat blues featuring 1st tenor sax throughout (originally written to feature tenor sax star Bill Saxton.) The brief ensemble introduction is followed by unison saxes in the opening chorus, after which no time is wasted getting to the tenor sax solo following a four-measure interlude exactly like the intro throwing your soloist out there for two choruses with rhythm section only. The ensemble interrupts for a chorus which modulates to E-flat, then the soloist romps for two choruses in the new key. The 2nd of these is made up of old be-bop "Sippin' At Bell's" chord changes which can be kinda' slippery, so get your soloist ready for them. The ensemble shouts it out on the closing chorus, then some breaks for the soloist, who plays a final2-bar break before the last ensemble chord. (Soloist may play what's written or elect to improvise on this break, just so long as what's played is strong and conclusive.) Lead trumpet high 'F', lead trombone high is A-flat 3. 5, 4, 4, G, P, B, D.