Jazz Lines Publications

Recorded by the Buddy Rich Big Band

Arranged by Don Menza
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: Jazz Ensemble

Recorded in 1980 for the relatively obscure album Buddy Rich Band, Don Menza's Beulah Witch is an intense blow for any ensemble, but is a thrilling experience for both musicians and listeners alike. Be sure to have a strong brass section if you plan on tackling this chart, as all parts feature extended sections in the upper register.

The arrangement wastes no time in laying into a heavy, slightly swung rock groove, with three primary riffs interweaving around Rich's unmistakable drums. The melody begins in the saxes and trumpets at measure 13, and is basically a two-bar motif that develops a little bit in complexity each time it's repeated. The bridge at measure 21 has some stacking and cascading in the trumpets and saxes to create a change of pace in the otherwise highly rhythmic performance. The ensemble gets one more roar in at measure 39 before an open solo section commences at measure 42. On the original recording, the only soloist is soprano sax, but this version contains solo changes for alto sax and trumpet as well.

Following the solos, the bridge is re-stated at measure 54 before a drum break sets up the extended final ensemble stretch at measure 66. It's advised that your brass players hold back at the beginning in order to have enough left in the tank for the finale, as it's quite a heavy workload even for the lower parts. Although it's technically a shout chorus, your drummer is encouraged to be quite busy, even a little soloistic, during this section to help ramp up the intensity. The performance finally concludes just as intensely as it began - with an all-out ensemble blast.

This publication was based on Don Menza's original score and the set of parts used by the Buddy Rich Orchestra - this is not a transcription.

Ranges:

• Trumpet 1: F6 (opt. G6)
• Trumpet 2: D6 (opt. G6)
• Trumpets 3-5: C6
• Trombones 1-4: Bb4