Brush Taps (M.Taylor)

"Brush Taps," composed and arranged by the esteemed jazz writer Mark Taylor, stands as a masterclass in modern big band writing, capturing the sophisticated harmonic language and infectious rhythmic vitality of contemporary mainstream jazz. Written for a standard 17-piece big band instrumentation, this composition bridges the gap between traditional swing aesthetics and contemporary harmonic exploration, offering a fresh perspective on big band arranging that honors the rich lineage of the idiom while pushing the ensemble into dynamic new territory. Taylor, widely recognized for his exceptional contributions to the contemporary jazz composition canon, structures the piece with an innate understanding of big band voicing, balance, and color. Driven by an assertive, infectious medium-up swing groove, "Brush Taps" establishes its character from the opening bars with a sleek, interlocking rhythmic motif that highlights the drummer's command of the kit—lending the chart its titular nod to brushwork and subtle rhythmic interplay. The melodic heavy lifting is shared dynamically across the saxophone and brass sections, featuring tightly wound solis that demand immaculate articulation, clean section blend, and precise stylistic uniformity. Taylor’s harmonic palette incorporates extended and altered dominant chords, subtle chromatic passing tones, and clever counterpoint, creating an atmosphere that is both intellectually engaging for the players and viscerally exciting for the listener. The structural arc of the arrangement builds steadily through a series of contrasting textural shifts, moving from delicate, sparse ensemble passages to a roaring, multi-layered shout chorus that tests the technical mettle and endurance of the brass section. Featured solo space allows improvisers to stretch out over accessible yet sophisticated chord changes, making it an ideal vehicle for developing soloists to showcase their straight-ahead vocabulary. The interplay between the rhythm section and the horn tiers is meticulously mapped out, requiring a sensitive pianist and bassist who can anchor the groove while leaving room for the punchy syncopations characteristic of Taylor's writing style. Advanced high school ensembles with strong section leaders, as well as collegiate and professional community big bands, will find "Brush Taps" to be a rewarding centerpiece for festival repertoires or formal concert programs. The chart rewards meticulous rehearsal, particularly in balancing the inner-voice harmonies within the saxophones and ensuring that the brass punches through the dense textures without forcing their tone. By blending classic swing-era sensibilities with modern arranging techniques, this 40-page publication delivers an unforgettable big band experience that challenges musicians to elevate their collective phrasing, time-feel, and dynamic control. Conductors should approach "Brush Taps" with a primary focus on maintaining a driving, transparent medium-up swing feel that never bogs down or rushes. The tempo must remain rock-solid, anchored by an assertive ride cymbal and a crisp, articulated hi-hat on beats two and four. Key technical challenges lie in the precision required for the tight, fast-moving ensemble solis and the wide dynamic contrasts. Saxophonists must pay close attention to breath support and intonation during the intricate chromatic lines, while the brass section needs to execute stylistic accents—such as controlled falls and crisp staccatos—without sacrificing a warm, blended tone. Rehearsal should begin section-by-section, isolating the rhythm section first to lock in the groove before layering in the saxophones and brass. Pay careful attention to the balance during the transition points into the shout chorus; ensure that the underlying comping figures do not obscure the primary melodic voice. Dynamics are marked explicitly throughout the 40 pages of score and parts, and exaggerating these shifts will bring out the architectural brilliance of Mark Taylor's arrangement. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This 17-instrument big band arrangement includes parts for standard instrumentation: 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, piano, guitar, bass, and drums, spread across a comprehensive 40-page publication. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Brush Taps"? A: This chart is graded as advanced, making it best suited for advanced high school, collegiate, and professional community big bands that possess strong section reading skills and confident soloists. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of the piece? A: Composed and arranged by Mark Taylor, "Brush Taps" is a contemporary jazz composition set in the straight-ahead big band tradition, heavily influenced by modern mainstream swing and bebop harmonic concepts. Q: What makes this Mark Taylor arrangement unique? A: Its uniqueness lies in Taylor's clever integration of subtle drum-inspired rhythmic motifs throughout the horn sections, combined with sophisticated extended harmonies and tightly wound, highly stylized soli passages. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo feel? A: The arrangement is designed around an energetic medium-up swing tempo (approximately quarter note = 180–192 BPM), resulting in a performance duration of roughly 4 to 5 minutes depending on the length of the improvised solos.