Diggin' the Dorian (Jazz Ens Gr. 3)

Based around the drum groove from Weather Report's classic "Birdland," Diggin' the Dorian exposes players to playing in mode they might not be familiar with.

Genre: Jazz Ensemble Series | # of Players: Standard
Level: 3 | Duration: 4:45

Instrumentation
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone 1
Tenor Saxophone 2
Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet 1
Trumpet 2
Trumpet 3
Trumpet 4 (optional)
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Trombone 4 (optional)

Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums
Vibraphone

Alternate/Optional Parts
C Flute
F Horn (Trombone 1)
Baritone T.C./Tenor Sax (Trombone 1)
Baritone T.C./Tenor Sax (Trombone 2)
Baritone T.C./Tenor Sax (Trombone 3)
Tuba

Program Notes
The drum groove for Diggin' the Dorian is based on the Weather Report classic, Birdland. Drummers should listen to and play along with the classic recording to internalise the groove for the A section. The B section half-time groove the drums and bass need to ensure the quaver pushes really lock in. The rhythm section is scored very simply so as to allow the piano and guitarists the option to impart their own personality in their accompanying figures. The voicings in the piano part are a guide – young performers should research and experiment with different 4th voicings. They should listen to the great modal recordings from the Kind of Blue era