Dear Friend of Sierra Music,
SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!! That is what we are about. We are constantly in the process of saving many, many pieces of big band music that could be lost forever. When these pieces are put into computer notation (in our case, Finale) there are countless opportunities to not only make the music look good, but to also correct errors, attributions, copyright information, more errors, etc., etc. We are also trying very hard to find ways to SAVE you money. The many monthly sales (generally a 25% discount) and our REWARDS Program are evidence of that. I hope you can take advantage of those things and return to the website often to check out the monthly sales (always different). You can also sign up to be on our mailing list to receive emails for special coupons.
NEW, NEW, NEW!! We're always happy to welcome new writers to our world. Patty Darling (Cool Cat Carl, Extension, Urban Strut) and Omar Thomas (Next to Silence, Sail to the Moon) are exceptional composers with a knack of writing very interesting, fresh, unique music without super high brass ranges. I like and admire that. And, of course, we bring you other new music every year at this time.
You may already be aware of our truly ground-breaking new series of charts based on the music of Radiohead. The entire set of music has been performed by universities and pro bands around the world. The HR Band in Frankfurt and the jazz ensembles from the Eastman School of Music, the University of Miami, the University of Texas/Arlington and the University of North Texas. The acceptance of this idea and this music has been very gratifying. We have added two new charts based on that music. James Miley has arranged "Bloom," and Omar Thomas has arranged "Sail to the Moon."
I continue my love affair with the music of the Pat Metheny Group. I arranged two more pieces for my big band, and they are now available to you. "Spring Ain't Here" is a wonderfully laid back, melodious tune. "Eighteen" is just the opposite in many ways. It is flat-out rock and roll. The entire arrangement features soprano sax. It is high-energy all the way. I think you'll like these two charts.
The Stan Kenton Series (almost 200 strong) will have added to it the very hip Latin tune that Gene Roland wrote for the band in the late 1950's, "Mission Trail." The band played this chart for years. Although"Genghis Khan" was never "officially"recorded by the Kenton Band, the chart was played during all the years that Dee Barton was the drummer. Ray Starling wrote this for Dee because he looked a little like the warrior. (I guess). It is an up-tempo, swinging piece. I also arranged a piece from the "Adventures in Time" CD. I've always loved Johnny Richards' melody of "3x3x2x2x2=72," but it was essentially un-playable by most bands in its original form. My arrangement retains all of the music, but I altered the key and made the trumpet parts easier to play. I think you'll like it. We've also re-released "A Little Minor Booze" in a computer notation (Finale) for the first time. All the mistakes are gone, and the parts and score (yes, there is finally a score) look great. You should throw away your old version and get this edition for your library.
Bill Holman has agreed to allow us to finally get into print his sensational arrangement of the Thelonius Monk/Denzil Best tune "Bemsha Swing." It is recorded on Bill's CD"Brilliant Corners." Although the CD is out-of-print, we have the audio file, in it's entirety, here on the website. You have to check this out. Bill's writing continues to inspire us all. We play this all the time with my band.
I am very proud to announce that Willie Maiden will once again be represented with new releases written for the Maynard Ferguson Birdland Dream Band. These two great charts are "Tag Team" and "Where's Teddy." There are 2 versions of "Where's Teddy" available. I edited one version so that it could be played by humans (ha). It is difficult to really describe how important this music is to the history of big band arranging. Every jazz band should have these pieces in the library.
The great Oliver Nelson wrote some of the hippest tunes. "Jazz Bug" is one of the hippest of them all. Oliver's original version was written for a small band (2 saxes, 2 trumpets and rhythm). I took the liberty of creating a big band version. It really works very well. So, once again, you have 2 versions from which to pick.
The late, great Tommy Newsom was the key arranger for many years for Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band. I'm happy to make available to you a wonderful arrangement of "The Summer of '42" that he wrote (an alto sax feature throughout) that has the qualities of all great arrangements, but does not require any difficult playing from the band. That's right, no high trumpet parts, no difficult rhythms, just lush, gorgeous writing. The alto solo is totally written out, or it can be improvised in part. This chart suits ANY band. If you have a fine alto player, you will love this chart.
Les Hooper has always been an original voice in this game, writing unforgettable melodies and framing them in interesting charts. "Waltz for Another Debbie" continues that. I'm happy to publish it.
Neil Slater has been an important part of the Sierra composer roster for many years. His latest chart is "Special Interests." This was recorded by the North Texas One O'Clock Band on their 2011 CD. I think this is a terrific piece.
I am SO happy to have Fred Sturm once again represented in our catalog. Fred has written a smokin' shuffle chart called "Lambeau Leap." The piece was commissioned by the UT/Arlington Jazz Studies department, and it is a happy, swinging, strong venture into "Sturm Land." Check it out!
I am a lucky guy in that I am able to compose or arranger music most every day. I finished one new original for my band this year. "September Swing" is a light, airy swing tune, written with younger players in mind. Everything is written out......solos and all the rhythm parts. I hope you like it.
Please be sure to listen to all of our New Issues on this website. Most of the mp3s are complete recordings done by my big band. I thank them for their superlative performance.
Keep referring back to the website for special SALES. Every month we will be offering new things at considerable savings to you and/or your school. I know that budgets are being cut and times are tough, and I would like to do what I can to help you with your purchases of quality big band charts. Please feel free to write to me or call me at any time with your suggestions or comments. Those things are important to me. And above all ......... SPREAD THE WORD. Please let your colleagues know where we are and what we are doing. That is how we'll stay in business. I thank you for that.
I continue to be grateful for your support of this company and our music, especially in these hard economic times.
Have a great year!
Best wishes, and thank you again for your support.
Bob Curnow, Owner/President
Sierra Music Publications, Inc.
bob@sierramusic.com
1-800-255-6551
