Big Band Composition-Writer's Block on Shout Chorus and Drum Solo

Hey there!

I've been working on composing this tune for a jazz big band. It is a 12 bar blues and I am almost finished with it, I am just struggling with writing a 12 or 24 bar shout chorus followed by an 8 bar drum solo (this is the section in the score that has nothing in it.) If anyone would give me some ideas that would be greatly appreciated! 

Also this is my first big band composition so any positive feedback is very much appreciated!

I envy composers who can write music like this. Most catching and lively and ok, I'm a sort-of fan of big band for relief from the other music I listen to. I'm quite fond of Harry James, so it was an easy listen for me.  Very good rendering.   You seem to have hit on a great sample library.

Because I'm a bit naive in this genre, I can't really answer your question about what to do. When your trumpet landed on that high Bflat I expected all hell to be let loose - some kind of climax.  My only comment is that I felt the piano to be too loud and present when it arrived, hiding some nice-sounding sax playing. 

I really think this should go in the "work in progress" section of the forum where it might receive more attention. And when you've solved the question I'll be back to hear it again.

Nice.

Thanks for the response! I am just using Musescore's basic library and I am glad to hear that it sounds good. 

29 minutes ago, Quinn said:

When your trumpet landed on that high Bflat I expected all hell to be let loose - some kind of climax.  My only comment is that I felt the piano to be too loud and present when it arrived, hiding some nice-sounding sax playing. 

 

 

I am a bit confused on what measure you are referring to, could you give me a measure number? 

I will definitely post the finished product once it's ready. Thank you!

It would help if you numbered your bars!

6 hours ago, Quinn said:

It would help if you numbered your bars!

 

I actually just realized that Musescore doesn't automatically number the score! Could you provide a page number at least? Thanks!