Rick has been writing arrangements of jazz classics and original jazz pieces for Hal Leonard Publications for several years. These charts are now available through Rick Stitzel Music. Discovery Jazz $35.00 Another Day, Another Blues – By Rick Stitzel - This is really not “just another blues”, but rather an excellent medium swing chart perfect for inexperienced bands. The blues format makes it comfortable for beginning soloists and sample solos are provided for alto or tenor sax. Listen Blue Beamer – By Rick Stitzel - Here is a great rock original for beginning groups that sets up a nice groove between the bass line and melody played first by trombones/tenors. Later the altos and trumpets take the lead. Also included is a solo (or soli) for trumpet and a short sax soli with brass background figures. Your young players will love playing this one! Listen C Jam Blues – By Duke Ellington, arranged by Rick Stitzel - Finally, this Ellington classic is available for even the most inexperienced bands. For starters, this version is in Bb rather than C. Rick features the saxes on the melody with inventive brass counterlines, and later a marvelous ensemble tutti section that starts soft then builds to the end. An absolute must! This arrangement was awarded the editor’s choice award by Instrumentalist Magazine. Listen Moon River – By Henry Mancini, arranged by Rick Stitzel - Henry Mancini was a master of melodies and this is one of his best. Rick's easy arrangement is in 3/4 and features skillful scoring and rich harmonies. Listen SWINGIN' SHEPHERD BLUES Swingin’ Shepherd Blues – By Rhoda Roberts, Kenny Jackson, Moe, arranged by Rick Stitzel - If it says “swingin'” in the title, you know you have a potential winner. Rick Stitzel doesn't disappoint in this outstanding chart on this familiar blues. It's also a great tune for solos! Listen What A Wonderful World - By George David Weiss and Bob Thiele, Arranged by Rick Stitzel - Made famous by Louis Armstrong, this is one standard that has stood the test of time. This very playable version is nicely scored with short features for each section. Listen Easy Jazz Ensemble $35.00 A Minor Case Of The Blues – By Rick Stitzel - Here's a great blues chart written in a medium swing style perfect for inexperienced players. Includes sample written solos for trumpet and alto in addition to a short sax solo and solid ensemble writing. A guaranteed winner! Listen Blue Skies – By Irving Berlin, arranged by Rick Stitzel - One of Irving Berlin's most performed melodies, Blue Skies is arranged here in a medium swing style to sound great with inexperienced players. Listen Besame Mucho – By Irving Berlin, arranged by Rick Stitzel - Here is an easy version of this Latin favorite arranged in a moderate bolero style. The trombones are featured on the opening theme and there is very skilled ensemble writing for young players throughout. Listen Carnival Los Rios – By Rick Stitzel - Rick has a real knack for writing easy charts that sound great and this exciting up-tempo samba features a hot groove and solos for trumpet and alto sax. Listen Now’s The Time – By Charlie Parker, arranged by Rick Stitzel - Charlie Parker helped define the language of modern jazz. This marvelous arrangement of one of his most accessible compositions provides a perfect introduction to this legendary jazz master. Solid and swingin'! Listen Ran Kan Kan – By Tito Puente, arranged by Rick Stitzel - Here is a classic mambo from Latin master Tito Puente. Rick Stitzel's easy version is authentic sounding and includes solid full band writing and solos for tenor and/or trumpet. The rhythm section parts are carefully notated including the piano montuno. Marvelous Latin sounds for younger players! Listen Secret Samba – By Rick Stitzel - Composer Rick Stitzel brings us this wonderful easy samba that features smooth lines and nice harmonies. The brass and sax sections answer each other in an effective dialogue and there is solo space for any saxophone. Listen Theme From Shaft – By Isaac Hayes, arranged by Rick Stitzel - Few of the famous funk themes from the '70s are more well known than this classic by Isaac Hayes. Rick's authentic sounding rendition makes it playable by just about any band. Listen Young Jazz Ensemble $40.00 Street Life – By The Crusaders, arranged by Rick Stitzel - Recorded by The Crusaders back in 1979, here is a funky version of this hit that will add excitement to any concert. In the same style as the original, this solid chart features the saxes on the head, solos for alto and trumpet, and an driving full ensemble finish.