Bob Freedman, Arranger

Bob Freedman - Arranger
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Professional Series
--17-Piece Big Band
--16-Piece Big Band
--15-Piece Big Band
--12-Piece Big Band
School Series
Other Arrangements
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Big Band Arrangements

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Professional Series - Professional Collection

U.M.M.G. (Upper Manhattan Medical Group)

Big Band (12-piece) 4 Saxes (ATTB) - 3 Trumpets - 2 Trombones - 3 Rhythm


Strayhorn’s composition has long been treasured by jazz musicians but is virtually unknown to the general public.  This arrangement strives to keep it within a style that might be considered “Strayhornian”.

Key Signature: D-Flat

Time Signature: 4/4

Tempo: ca. 180

Top 1st Tpt Note: Written E-Flat above High C

Solos: Trumpet 2, Bari Sax

What Am I Here For

Big Band (12-piece) 4 Saxes (ATTB) - 3 Trumpets - 2 Trombones - 3 Rhythm


This Duke Ellington tune is an arranger’s dream because of the synergistic relationship between melody and harmony. This chart preserves the original feel of the song while giving it a couple of unique twists. It works as well for dancing as it does in a concert setting.

Key Signature: E-Flat, C, G, A-Flat

Time Signature: 4/4

Tempo: ca. 101

Top 1st Tpt Note: Written D-Flat above High C

Solos: Tenor 2, Trumpet 3, Trombone 1, Bass

I’ll Remember April

Big Band (12-piece) 4 Saxes (ATTB) - 3 Trumpets - 2 Trombones - 3 Rhythm


Many songs that have become jazz standards were not written for that noble purpose. I’ll Remember April had its debut in a 1942 Abbott and Costello movie called Ride ‘em Cowboy. This arrangement will not conjure up any memories of the film. I’ve taken a few duly respectful liberties with the melody and the rich harmonic landscape offers some interesting romping room for the soloists.

Key Signature: G

Time Signature: 4/4

Tempo: ca. 224

Top 1st Tpt Note: Written E above High C

Solos: Trpt 2, Trpt 3, Bari, Alto, Tenor 1, Tenor 2

That's A-Plenty

Big Band (12-piece) 4 Saxes (SATB) - 3 Trumpets - 2 Trombones - 3 Rhythm
(Saxes are Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bari)


Ben Pollack’s multi-theme tune was a huge hit in the Dixieland and Chicago jazz eras and maintained its currency through the 1940’s and ‘50’s. This arrangement could be called an impressionistic 21st century reincarnation of the piece. The coda is a 48-bar five-part invention which builds to a very satisfying big-bang ending.

Key Signature: Dmin, F, B-Flat, Cmin, E-Flat, Fmin, Dmin

Time Signature: 4/4

Tempo: ca. 211

Top 1st Tpt Note: Written F Above High C...a couple F-Sharps in last bar

Solos: Tenor 1, Alto, Piano