Digital Download
23734452
St. James Infirm'ry
23734452
23734452
23734452
Details
Brass Ensemble, Brass Quintet French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba - Level 4 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1890956
By Brass Quintet. Composed by attributed to Mills. Arranged by Daniel Leavitt. This edition: pdf, streaming. 20th Century, Big Band, Blues, Jazz, Ragtime. 9 pages. Daniel Leavitt #1449511. Published by Daniel Leavitt (A0.1890956).This arrangement of "St. James Infirmary" for brass quintet by Daniel Leavitt is a masterclass in blending the somber "New Orleans Funeral" tradition with a big-band jazz club finale. This version leans heavily into the Trad-jazz and blues roots of the genre.
Key Features of the Arrangement
The "Funeral" Opening: It begins with a slow, mournful drag, allowing the brass players to showcase their control over dark, rich tonal colors and early 20th-century brass performance practices.
Extended Improvised Solo Section: This is the heart of the piece. It provides a platform for players (usually Trumpet or Trombone) to stretch out over a minor-key chord progression. The other players are encouraged to improvise backgrounds that convey the style of early Louis Armstrong performance practices.
The Shout Chorus: The arrangement culminates in a high-octane "shout chorus," where the entire quintet plays at a high dynamic level with syncopated, layered riffs that mimic a full big band.
Performance Dynamics
Why it’s a "Check Box" for Fun
This piece is a favorite for brass quintets because it breaks the "classical" mold. The inclusion of an improvised section means no two performances are exactly the same, giving the musicians a sense of creative freedom.
For the Audience
The transition from a sad, slow dirge to a raucous shout chorus is a classic musical "trope" that never fails to get a reaction, making it perfect for outdoor concerts or educational clinics.
For the Musicians
It allows the Tuba to act as the "walking" bass line, providing a rhythmic foundation that is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding to play.
Pro Tips
The soloists are encouraged to use a plunger mute for that authentic early jazz "growl”.
Other special effects
Flutter tongue, throat growls, doits, falls, multi-speed vibrato, and straight tone, bends, flips, and cool porkpie hats.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.
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