Sassy (E.Wilkins)

Bring the vibrant energy of Count Basie to your big band with Ernie Wilkins' iconic arrangement of "Sassy." This jazz standard, composed and arranged by Ernie Wilkins, provides a fantastic opportunity for your ensemble to explore classic swing nuances and deliver a polished, crowd-pleasing performance. As a medium-difficulty chart, "Sassy" is ideal for both advanced high school and collegiate jazz ensembles, as well as semi-professional big bands seeking authentic repertoire. Its driving, medium-swing tempo feel and characteristic Basie-style harmonic voicings, featuring tight brass and saxophone sections, make it a quintessential example of the era. The arrangement showcases Wilkins' masterful use of call-and-response figures and dynamic contrasts, building excitement through well-placed ensemble shouts and subtle rhythmic interplay. "Sassy" is scored for a standard big band instrumentation: Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trumpet 3, Trumpet 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Bass Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Drums.