And That's That (D.Mackrel)

Dennis Mackrel’s dynamic composition "And That's That" stands as a brilliant modern-era big band showcase, representing the pinnacle of contemporary swinging jazz composition. Originally brought to life by master drummer, composer, and arranger Dennis Mackrel—whose extensive pedigree includes stellar writing and drumming for the Count Basie Orchestra—the piece captures the effervescent drive and sophisticated harmonic palette of modern big band jazz. It bridges the gap between traditional Kansas City swing grit and contemporary compositional complexity, offering a masterclass in ensemble interplay, rhythmic precision, and high-octane momentum. From the downbeat, "And That's That" establishes a relentless, driving medium-up swing groove anchored by a sophisticated, blues-infused melodic framework. The mood is punchy, confident, and relentlessly optimistic, evoking the smoky atmosphere of a premier jazz club combined with the crisp precision of a world-class concert hall. The harmonic language utilizes extended voicings and clever chromatic alterations while maintaining an undeniable foot-tapping groove. The arrangement breathes effortlessly, shifting between delicate, sparse counterpoint and thunderous, full-ensemble detonations that demand absolute rhythmic unity from the rhythm section and horns alike. The brilliance of this chart lies in its masterful distribution of thematic material across the 17-piece ensemble. The sax section—comprising two altos, two tenors, and baritone—navigates intricate, harmonically rich solis that require immaculate articulation and blend, particularly when executing Mackrel’s fluid bebop-infused lines. The brass section is deployed with devastating effectiveness, utilizing classic plunger effects, sharp staccato accents, and soaring upper-register shout choruses that build inexorably toward a thrilling climax. Featured solo spaces allow standout improvisers in the band to stretch out over changes that reward both traditional swinging vocabulary and modern harmonic exploration. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate jazz orchestras, and professional big bands will find this chart to be an exceptionally rewarding centerpiece for festival performances or formal concerts. While the technical demands—particularly regarding tempo stability, syncopated ensemble figures, and stylistic endurance—require a mature rhythm section and seasoned horn players, the payoff is a guaranteed showstopper. "And That's That" challenges players to elevate their collective listening skills, making it an indispensable addition to any ambitious big band's permanent repertoire. Conductors tackling "And That's That" should prioritize an unwavering, driving swing feel from the rhythm section, ensuring the tempo never drags or rushes behind the pulse. The piano and bass must lock in tightly to establish the underlying groove before the horns enter. Key technical challenges include navigating crisp, accelerated syncopations and maintaining a balanced dynamic profile during dense ensemble passages. Pay close attention to articulation markings: short notes must be clipped and dry, while accented lines require a warm, vocal quality without distorting tone. Brass players should execute falls and doits with stylistic taste, ensuring they complement rather than overpower the underlying harmony. In rehearsal, isolate the sax soli to practice balance and intonation at a slower tempo before bringing it up to performance speed. Encourage the drummer to drive the ensemble with crisp ride-cymbal phrasing and well-placed snare kicks that punctuate the horn section's rhythmic hits. Q: What instrumentation and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This 17-instrument big band arrangement includes standard instrumentation: 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and a standard rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, and drums) spanning 79 comprehensive pages. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This piece is graded as advanced, making it best suited for collegiate jazz ensembles, top-tier high school bands, and professional groups capable of handling complex swing figures and rapid tempo shifts. Q: What is the musical style and historical background of the piece? A: Composed by Dennis Mackrel, this piece embodies contemporary mainstream jazz and big band swing, drawing on the rich, driving traditions associated with the Count Basie Orchestra style while incorporating modern harmonic twists. Q: What makes this specific arrangement unique? A: The arrangement stands out for its clever integration of intricate bebop-influenced horn solis, dynamic shout choruses, and an expansive 79-page score that offers deep textural variety and ample space for featured soloists. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo feel? A: The piece is set in a driving medium-up swing feel (4/4 time), designed to run approximately 5 to 6 minutes, depending on the length of the improvised solos taken during the performance.