Performance by UT Austin Jazz Ensemble.
On the Sunny Side of the Street is an arrangement of the 1930 composition of the same name by Jimmy McHugh – with a twist. The chord changes are not from the original tune but rather from Ray Noble’s “Cherokee,” another composition from the 1930s. I made this new combination of two very old tunes for an all-star North Texas big band of high school and college students in 2016. The band was selected by Austin Zhang (NYC saxophonist, Manhattan School of Music) to perform for a 1930s big band music night. So, when Austin asked me to write a chart for the band, I made sure to stick to tradition in my arranging but, at the same time, innovate with the material I had. I hope you enjoy On the Sunny Side of the Street.
Austin Ali 