Peace Like A River

This arrangement is simply fun, from start to finish. It has a “Neal Hefti” sort of quality to the sound, hearkening the Count Basie Orchestra, as well as some of the classic Hollywood big band sounds. It flies in at under 3 minutes, making it delightfully useful in spots where time is tight.

WHAT’S NEW?
Those familiar with the original release from Word Music may notice some changes & improvements:
• Score and parts are set in a classic Jazz font, with a cleaner & leaner layout on the page.
• Tempo has been slowed by some 12 bpm – to 140. It’s still quite brisk – but now not so frantic.
• The original version called for the flute and clarinet players to “double” on sax. I’ve separated those parts on the score in this version. This allowed me to use the upper winds a bit in the later part of the chart.
• I’ve added some classic “Hollywood Jazz Orchestra” elements that weren’t in the original version: timpani, xylophone, and harp. They are all used sparingly, but they add some wonderful color!
• The original arrangement called for a Tuba solo at the top. Here – I’ve changed it to Bass Trombone, which is more typical of the classic Big Band sound. But if you’ve got a swinging Tuba player, the Tuba chart is still included.
• Harmonies have been re-voiced subtly throughout the arrangement. A few harmonies were shifted, and a few were changed.
• The bass line (preferably an acoustic bass) is all written out and has been improved. I encourage the bass player to play it as written, rather than fake it from the guitar or piano changes. The written notes suit the chord voicings in the orchestra quite snugly. J