Straight Line Blues

by by Sam Fettig

Jazz Ensemble Grade 2.5

Commisioned by the Prairie Farm Jazz Ensemble (WI), Zachary Bartsch Director

ABOUT THE SONG

Straight Line Blues is a standard 12 bar blues in concert Bb.  It derives it’s name from the Prairie Farm High School mascot: the Panthers. One way to distinguish between panther tracks and dog tracks is by the manner in which they travel. Dogs tend to zig zag and explore as they go. Panthers, on the other hand, do not mess around and typically travel in a straight path. 

ABOUT THE ARRANGEMENT

Straight Line Blues is a “riff blues” which means the melody consists of a short melodic phrase (a.k.a. riff, or lick) that repeats over the course of the 12 bar form. This is first presented by the trumpets in measure 11 with a two bar unison riff. Saxes and trombones fill the spaces between these riffs with statements of their own. 

A second pass through the form begins in measure 23 with roles reversed; saxes and bones have the riff (harmonized this time) while trumpets fill the gaps.

The next chorus begins with a 5 bar solo send-off for the first soloist (any player) which begins at measure 40. The send-off is a series of ascending chromatic scales over an F pedal tone. 

The fourth chorus of blues is an open-repeat solo section (m47). The first soloist from measure 40 may continue into this section. Repeat back to 47 for additional solos. The backgrounds are to be played when cued; it is suggested that they be played the final time. 

A four measure drum solo takes us out of the solo section. The drummer may improvise, or choose to simply maintain a swing pattern during this time. Another option is to open up the drum solo, in which case measure 63 would be cued. 

The shout chorus that follows is a departure from the rest of the chart. The drummer stops and a soli of horns take over (m63). Drums then re-enter with an unexpected yet highly effective funk beat. 

The chart then returns to swing with two more choruses of the main melody. This time, the space between the riffs is filled with solos (written or improvised) for 1st trombone…yet is cued in all parts and can be shared. 

I hope you enjoy “Straight Line Blues!”