This is one of the most popular
charts on the “Jazz Compositions of Dee
Barton” recording by the Stan Kenton
Orchestra. This is an edited version arranged for standard
big band instrumentation (works great). Starting
lightly with unison saxophones, in a lilting, bright, swinging ¾, the chart
then adds brass backgrounds, growing in intensity and leading to the trumpet
solo. That solo is then followed by some of the coolest (and most challenging)
ensemble writing ever. There is a good bit of unison line playing by everyone
in the band. The drums then bring the full band into a shout chorus that lifts
you out of your chair. There is a return to the lighter side for a bit and then
back to the roaring shout. It all finishes with a cute piano finish on sol do
(those solfeggio classes finally came in handy). 5-4-4-4
$ 65.00
(SMP-1318) The Singing Oyster (Edited) - Dee Barton / ed. Curnow (Score)