Description

“Ballad for Kenny” is written in memory of the great composer, flugelhorn and trumpet player Kenny Wheeler, who passed away in 2014.

This work is a tribute to his legacy and the influence that this composer has had on me and countless others throughout the decades.

The versatility and blended sound of the saxophone quartet lends itself particularly well to the lush harmonies and contrasting styles exhibited in the different sections of the piece.

It features many hallmarks of some of Kenny’s finest works, including: an uplifting yet at times melancholic ballad melody; a jazz waltz section; a rhythmic, driving feel with syncopated rhythms and optional improvisation; and a unaccompanied chorale before the final revised opening statement.

There is a 16 bar in the middle and a 12 bar section at the end of the piece with chord symbols for an improvised soprano sax solo, however a suggested solo is also written out on the soprano part.

“Ballad for Kenny” comes complete with a full set of professionally recorded minus-one MP3 play-alongs. This enables you to play any saxophone part along with the other three parts. Great if you don’t have a quartet, or wish to rehearse remotely!

The E-Edition PDF bundle comes with the following:

Soprano Saxophone
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
+MP3 minus-one play-alongs