Horn Charts Series: "Valerie"
The “Motown version” of “Valerie” has become a staple at most events that I’ve played for, and the horn parts are usually made up on the spot from however the trumpet player remembers it from the recording. It has always kind of irked me how each horn section will change up the rhythm of the horn stabs on each chorus. I wish we could be consistent, folks!
After some brief searching, I found only crummy layouts for this otherwise simple horn part. Learn it, love it, play it well.
Side note: If you are a trombone player, such as myself, you should learn to mimic these great bari sax parts! There are several opportunities to add dynamic range and counterpoint whenever you play the Motown style. Bring your F trigger horn to the gig and add some depth to the section. You may not like to spend your time in the lower register, but (in the words of Wooderson) “It’d be a lot cooler if you did”.
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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.