Splanky (N.Hefti)

Elevate your big band’s repertoire with this authentic and iconic arrangement of "Splanky" by Neal Hefti, a true cornerstone of the jazz standard canon. This medium-difficulty chart, originally penned by Hefti himself, captures the quintessential Basie-era swing sound, making it an essential addition for any serious jazz ensemble. The arrangement, spanning 30 pages, includes all individual parts for a full big band instrumentation: Alto Sax 1, Alto Sax 2, Tenor Sax 1, Tenor Sax 2, Baritone Sax, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trumpet 3, Trumpet 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Bass Trombone, Piano, Bass, and Drums. "Splanky" is renowned for its infectious, medium-swing tempo feel, characterized by a driving yet relaxed rhythmic pulse. Hefti’s masterful scoring features sophisticated harmonic voicings and call-and-response patterns between sections, creating a dynamic interplay that is both challenging and rewarding to perform. The arrangement includes designated solo sections, typically for saxophone and trumpet, providing opportunities for improvisation within the classic big band framework.