Building the First Set
The first set needs a clean arc: a bright opener, a dancer-friendly medium swing chart, a feature that lets the room settle, and a closer with enough lift to make the break feel earned.
The current draft starts with a compact ensemble chart and leaves the longer solo space until the second tune. That keeps the first downbeat clear and gives the audience a reason to lean in before the band stretches.
Working Order
- Opener with a crisp brass answer.
- Medium swing with sax section focus.
- Vocal feature.
- Blues chart with rhythm section trading.
- Shout chorus closer.