'Down The Line' is a superb, big-band original by Allan Ganley.   A '2-feel' groove, moving into '4' with some lovely voicings and solis, makes this a swinger just right for your band.   The arrangement is scored for 5 Saxes, 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones and Rhythm and there is a guitar part with written melody, together with a full 'conductor score'.   The saxophones are soprano-led but, if your lead alto can't play, or can't afford, a soprano, there is an alternative alto part (the soprano sounds better....)   We rate this as 'slightly difficult' mainly because the 'shouts' may test a 'rehearsal band' brass section.   However,your performance will benefit from some concentrated practice of the difficult passages and the score is a perfect example of the application of dynamics, expression and articulation across the sections.   (Reading the conductor score, whilst listening to the audio download, is a master class in arranging by itself but all you score readers will note the small difference that the ensemble repeat at 'J' is omitted and left to the soprano solo! - otherwise it's the same as the score.)

• Downloads
• Only 3 sample pages of the piece (from the section leads) are displayed on your monitor and you can get a full pdf download of all the parts and a 'conductor score' by clicking [this link]
• A download of the full MP3 audio version of the composition, played by the Allan Ganley Big Band, is also available by clicking [this link]

© Allan Ganley 2006.   The consummate drummer and an equally accomplished arranger, Allan Ganley has a pedigree of performing with the best in jazz.   In his career, his tasteful and exciting drumming has supported a list of artists that sounds like a roll-call of 'the greats'   Association with names such as Jim Hall, Al Haig, Stan Getz, Dizzie Gillespie, Bob Brookmeyer, Stephane Grappelli, Peggy Lee, George Shearing, Cleo Laine, John Dankworth and Blossom Dearie are a testimony to his talent.

Allan studied composition and arranging at Berklee and is a winner of the British Jazz Award for the composition and arranging category, in addition to being voted best drummer.   Allan's discography as a leader is relatively small but you can access the source of his quartet's recording 'Live at the Station' by clicking on the image and you can download the full track 'Au Privave' via the download tab on jazzorg's main menu.    Tell me more about Allan Ganley

Downloading of copies of the music manuscript are subject to the Jazzorg Licence 2, described under the 'Copyright' menu tab.       You can discuss or comment on this piece in the forums.