Best Coast (J.LaBarbera)

Immerse your big band in the vibrant energy of John LaBarbera's "Best Coast," presented in this authentic arrangement by the legendary Buddy Rich. This iconic jazz waltz, a staple of the Buddy Rich Big Band repertoire, captures the essence of classic big band swing with its infectious groove and sophisticated harmonic language. Designed for a full seventeen-piece ensemble, this "Best Coast" arrangement features a standard instrumentation of five saxophones (two alto, two tenor, one baritone), four trumpets, four trombones (three tenor, one bass), and a four-piece rhythm section (guitar, piano, bass, drums). The arrangement is noted for its accessible "easy" difficulty, making it an excellent choice for developing ensembles, high school, and college jazz programs, as well as professional bands seeking a polished and engaging performance piece. "Best Coast" is characterized by its medium-slow jazz waltz tempo, providing a relaxed yet propulsive feel that encourages expressive phrasing from all sections.