Horn Charts Series: "Into the Mystic"

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…It’s another gig and Van Morrison’s Moondance album strikes again! How nice it is to be able to play this selection rather than the title track, which is actually not that great of a tune. Too many gigs and drunken crowd singalongs have rendered “Moondance” dead to me.

“Into the Mystic”, on the other hand, is a gem and a well-orchestrated and simple recording that really uses the horn section well. The simple horn line heard after the chorus is just as good as “Sweet Caroline” and twice as underplayed! So, this one remains a favorite of mine. And I always know if a couple has good taste when they request it as a first dance.

Rule of thumb: take it easy. Overplaying is not allowed here! Try to make all this seem as improvised as possible.

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See the Horn Charts archive here

In my ongoing effort to distribute correct information and spread goodwill, I'm posting PDF files of my transcribed horn charts for pop/variety band (3-piece: trumpet, tenor sax, trombone). I consider these selections as standard repertoire for the modern commercial musician, so think of these as educational tools to help you get through the gig. Like a Real Book for the pop musician—except with editing.