I have a gig coming up and I have needed a little kick in the pants to practice. My solution this time was to skip the warm-up. Sure, I did not start "wailing" right away; I started practicing the part I needed, but down the octave to ease into the playing. While I always encourage my students to do some sort of warm-up, and to vary this day-to-day, playing is better than not playing, so do what you have to do. And, do not feel guilty about it. Just be happy that you put the horn on your face. 

George, one of the singers in the After Hours Big Band, had requested an arrangement of this tune a long time ago. So this is a long time coming. The chart stays close to the original off of Rattle and Hum and I think it does a good job of showcasing the big band. Take a second and check it out by clicking here. Here is the video of U2, as well, for comparison.  

I lost the soprano saxophone player in my band, so I reorchestrated my arrangement for a typical big band, with two altos, two tenors and a baritone sax player. The rest of the instrumentation is typical as well. While I am biased, I really like this arrangement; kind of gives off a reggae feel, although that was not my original intention. Who knows what inspires you when you are creating back-up lines? Please give this classic song with a new twist a listen by clicking here. 

​RIP Chester Bennington