Smack That Thang-A 12 Bar Blues

Hey there! This is the first complete work I'm posting on this forum. I was inspired by jazz big bands, and especially the tune "Night Train" composed by Jimmy Forest. Smack That Thang (Big Band Arrangement)-Score_and_Parts.pdfThis isn't the final rendition, but for now I am satisfied with it. I would love any feedback that anyone can provide. Thanks!

Hey @AlexL!

I'm not sure I have very much to add to what I have already said regarding this piece.  There seem to be some problems with the score sometimes being cut off at the bottom which hopefully can be solved by using a bigger page size or changing the spacing in the page settings.  The piano in the rendition is also a bit too loud in relation to the rest of the instruments.  You might need to write out the piano chords manually instead of just putting the chord symbols if you want more control over the volume the piano is played at.  Unless of course you don't deem the rendition itself that important since you probably will get this performed live.  And I didn't notice the Trombones playing their additional notes the 2nd and 3rd time the main theme plays.  Also, did you figure out the shout chorus for this piece?  I don't see it notated anywhere.  Thanks for sharing!

Hey there!
The playback is a bit funky and I'm not sure how to fix it on Musescore, but I'm not too concerned because I'm hoping for a live performance/recording. My musescore file was fine with the score, so i wonder why it did that on the pdf. As for the shout chorus I did notate it. It's on page 8 of the score! Thank you for the response!

On 11/21/2024 at 9:30 PM, AlexL said:

I'm hoping for a live performance/recording.

very cool! It'll be interesting to hear how soloists handle this, you could possibly extend sections for them too. Also, I'd let the drummer do their thing on it, as your notes could just be viewed as a place holder. It's always hard to notate solos, especially drums. The ending is gritty and great 🙂