James' big band compositions have been played throughout the Mid-Atlantic, most notably by the Zeropoint Big Band, with whom he collaborated intensely as their composer in residence in 2011 and 2012. His library is ever expanding; check back periodically for information on new tunes. Below, you can learn more about each piece, view score and part samples, and buy the charts through one-click shopping via PayPal (you will be directed to the PayPal site for checkout).
Big band charts come complete with score and parts, and are scored for five saxes and eight brass (woodwind doubles noted).
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Gr. 4, samba, lead trumpet D, altos and tenor 1 double on flute, tenor 2 doubles on clarinet. Solos: piano, trumpet 4, trombone 2.
This bright samba features the trombone section early and often, and offers ample solo space over a smoothly-flowing 40-bar form over chord changes borrowed from Robert Lamm (think "Chicago" — the band, not the musical). Not many surprises here; just a bright, fun thing.
Elegy #1
Gr. 4.5, ballad, lead trumpet Eb, SAATB saxes. Solo: trumpet 4 (flugelhorn).
"Elegy #1" is a melancholy ballad which features the flugelhorn soloist throughout, including some modal material at the beginning of the solo section before a powerful full-band entrance.
Father John
Gr. 5, up-med waltz, lead trumpet F. Soli: alto 1, bari, trumpet 2. Solos: soli instruments, piano.
The melody soli at the beginning of this waltz tackles an angular line before ample soloing room. Demanding lead trumpet part, but a nice change of pace.
Last, Right?
Gr. 4.5, fast straight-ahead, lead trumpet F. Solos: open.
"Last, Right?" makes for a good hard-swingin' closer over the changes of "Confirmation", with an open solo section to accommodate anyone in the band. Full-band unison section and shout chorus wrap up the chart.
Line for Leonard
Gr. 4, medium-slow straight-ahead, 5 trumpets, lead alto double on soprano, lead trumpet D. Solos: flugelhorn (trumpet 5).
"Line For Leonard" simmers along down-tempo, but swings hard once things pick up. Melody line in tenor 1, trumpet 5 (on flugelhorn the whole way), and guitar, with flugel changes and a b**chin' sax soli with a serious old-school vibe.
Triangle
Gr. 4.5, "ECM feel," lead trumpet Eb, SAATB saxes, altos double on flute, tenor doubles on clarinet, trumpets all double on flugelhorn. Solos: piano, bass, soprano sax.
"Triangle" boasts a blend of the classic Pat Metheny feel with orchestration reminiscent of Maria Schneider. Clocking in at about 11 minutes, it makes for quite the centrepiece to any set, featuring soprano sax throughout.
West by Northwest
Gr. 4.5, medium straight-ahead, lead trumpet E, sax soli. Solos: trumpet 2, alto 1 (alt. piano).
Straight-ahead chart features a traditional sax soli and comfortable soloing changes. Meaty ensemble work might be demanding for some bands, but it's a pleasant chart for bands and audiences alike.
An adaptation for "little big band" (three saxes, three brass, rhythm) is also available.