Length: Approx. 8:14
Tempo: ♩ = 120
Style: Straight-Eighth Groove / Fusion Samba
Key: F Major
Difficulty: Grade 5–6
Lead Trumpet Range: Written high E at the conclusion
Featured Soloists: Guitar, Electric Bass, Drums
Instrumentation: Standard Big Band (Electric Bass required; no doubles)
Description
Afrique is an energetic fusion of contemporary big band writing and Brazilian-inspired grooves, drawing influence from jazz fusion pioneers while maintaining the power and colour of the modern jazz orchestra. Designed as a feature for the rhythm section, the arrangement places equal emphasis on groove, ensemble precision, and dynamic orchestration.
The saxophone section carries much of the primary melodic material, with the trombones and trumpets periodically taking over to provide contrast and build intensity. Intricate saxophone passages, layered ensemble writing, and evolving orchestration create continual momentum throughout the piece.
The form follows a broad concert structure: Intro – Head – Guitar Solo – Electric Bass Solo – Instrumental Breakdown – Head Out – Drum Solo Outro
Both improvised solo sections are performed over two choruses, with ensemble backgrounds entering during the second chorus to increase energy and drive. Following the solos, an instrumental breakdown shifts the focus to the horn section alone before seamlessly returning to the bridge.
The piece concludes with an extended drum feature built around a recurring rhythmic motif that gradually expands into a full-ensemble finale.
Performance Notes
The groove is the defining element of this arrangement. Rhythm section cohesion is essential.
The electric bass part is highly demanding and was inspired by the style and rhythmic vocabulary of Jaco Pastorius, particularly his performance on Weather Report's Havona. Confident sixteenth-note articulation and strong rhythmic consistency are recommended.
The saxophone section should approach the melodic passages with a unified sound and consistent articulation, balancing technical precision with lyrical phrasing.
Careful dynamic shaping throughout the instrumental breakdown will maximize the impact of the final drum feature and full-band ending.
Length: Approx. 8:14
Tempo: ♩ = 120
Style: Straight-Eighth Groove / Fusion Samba
Key: F Major
Difficulty: Grade 5–6
Lead Trumpet Range: Written high E at the conclusion
Featured Soloists: Guitar, Electric Bass, Drums
Instrumentation: Standard Big Band (Electric Bass required; no doubles)
Description
Afrique is an energetic fusion of contemporary big band writing and Brazilian-inspired grooves, drawing influence from jazz fusion pioneers while maintaining the power and colour of the modern jazz orchestra. Designed as a feature for the rhythm section, the arrangement places equal emphasis on groove, ensemble precision, and dynamic orchestration.
The saxophone section carries much of the primary melodic material, with the trombones and trumpets periodically taking over to provide contrast and build intensity. Intricate saxophone passages, layered ensemble writing, and evolving orchestration create continual momentum throughout the piece.
The form follows a broad concert structure: Intro – Head – Guitar Solo – Electric Bass Solo – Instrumental Breakdown – Head Out – Drum Solo Outro
Both improvised solo sections are performed over two choruses, with ensemble backgrounds entering during the second chorus to increase energy and drive. Following the solos, an instrumental breakdown shifts the focus to the horn section alone before seamlessly returning to the bridge.
The piece concludes with an extended drum feature built around a recurring rhythmic motif that gradually expands into a full-ensemble finale.
Performance Notes
The groove is the defining element of this arrangement. Rhythm section cohesion is essential.
The electric bass part is highly demanding and was inspired by the style and rhythmic vocabulary of Jaco Pastorius, particularly his performance on Weather Report's Havona. Confident sixteenth-note articulation and strong rhythmic consistency are recommended.
The saxophone section should approach the melodic passages with a unified sound and consistent articulation, balancing technical precision with lyrical phrasing.
Careful dynamic shaping throughout the instrumental breakdown will maximize the impact of the final drum feature and full-band ending.
