Fragments

This is my first CD as a leader. It features the Oregon Jazz Workshop performing 6 of my original compositions, as well as my arrangement of Ornette Coleman's "Ramblin'." If you're a fan of challenging big band writing, then this recording is for you! buy this CD at CD Baby

The Shining Path

The published arrangement, as recorded on my CD "Fragments." It's a fun, hard-swinging chart with plenty of space for tenor sax and trumpet solos. The long build-up to the climax is a challenge! Manuscript purchase this composition from UNC Jazz Press Due to UNC's security policy, you'll need to use the search function to find my charts. Look under "Jim Olsen" or "Olsen" to see the list of available music.

Recurring Doppelganger Phenomena

The printed arrangement of the chart, as recorded on "Fragments." It's a serial work that also turns back on itself in the middle of the tune. The sax soli is tricky, but fun. purchase this composition from UNC Jazz Press Due to UNC's security policy, you'll need to use the search function to find my charts. Look under "Jim Olsen" or "Olsen" to see the list of available music.

Sleazy Rider

The greasiest!! This severely altered blues is just the ticket for getting down and dirty. The slow 12/8 feel takes you back to Chicago, even though the changes sound more like the Art Ensemble than Muddy Waters. There are solos for bari and alto saxes and trumpet, but anyone could blow on this one. Not hard, just lots of fun. As heard on the CD, "Fragments." No doubles. purchase this composition at UNC Jazz Press Due to UNC's security policy, you'll need to use the search function to find my charts. Look under "Jim Olsen" or "Olsen" to see the list of available music.

Epitaph: Days of Madness and Sorrow

As recorded on my CD, "Fragments." This composition requires a mature tenor saxophone soloist and a creative, responsive drummer to achieve its maximum impact. Some basic flute doubles, as well as extra percussion and 5th trombone parts. $55.00 _ Purchase this arrangement directly from Jim Olsen Music. See the contact page for details on how to order

Fragments

The title cut of my CD. This is a major work for jazz ensemble, requiring mature players. This ca. 20 minute piece evolves from a lyrical opening into Miles Davis-inspired funk, goes from space sounds to a beautiful tenor ballad, then opens up into hard swing before reaching the climax. The standard 5-4-4-4 instrumentation (with doubles) is augmented by two percussionists and an extra synthesizer player. $100.00 _ Purchase this arrangement directly from Jim Olsen Music. See the contact page for details on how to order

Days and Nights (Without You)

A tenor ballad that alternates between a lyrical song and rock-ish interludes. Manuscript $55.00 _ Purchase this arrangement directly from Jim Olsen Music. See the contact page for details on how to order.

Ramblin'

My take on Ornette Coleman's classic tune. A friend once described it as "sounding like an EWI on acid," and he was probably right. There are some challenging ensemble parts (to put it mildly!), but bands have had a lot of fun with this chart. Manuscript $60.00 _ Purchase this arrangement directly from Jim Olsen Music. See the contact page for details on how to order.

Impact Therapy

Atonal rock at its best (or weirdest)! The bottom end of the band gets its due, with the melody played by bari sax, bass trombone and electric bass. Guitar and trombone solo, and percussion fills over the unique bass clarinet/muted trombone lines. Manuscript purchase this composition from UNC Jazz Press Due to UNC's security policy, you'll need to use the search function to find my charts. Look under "Jim Olsen" or "Olsen" to see the list of available music.

The Acme Do-It-Yourself Funk Machine Kit

Everyone is entitled to one silly title, and it always seems to be for the obligatory "funk" chart. As you might suspect, this is a fun little tune that lets your soprano and trumpet players (or anyone, really) blow over an infectious groove. The breakdown at the end is equal parts Tower of Power and Charles Ives, and the ending always gets a good laugh. Enjoy! $55.00 _ Purchase this arrangement directly from Jim Olsen Music. See the contact page for details on how to order.