Brush This (J.Clayton)

Master bassist, composer, and arranger John Clayton brings his signature sophistication, immaculate swing feel, and rich compositional depth to "Brush This," a standout contribution to the modern big band repertoire. Rooted in the swinging, hard-driving tradition of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra—an ensemble co-founded by Clayton that revitalized the classic big band sound for contemporary audiences—this chart captures the essence of post-bop elegance combined with old-school blues-infused vitality. Clayton's writing honors the classic Count Basie and Thad Jones ethos while introducing modern harmonic colorations and intricate textural layers that challenge and reward advanced ensembles. Buoyed by an infectious medium-up swing groove, "Brush This" opens with a clever nod to its title, showcasing subtle interplay before expanding into a robust, harmonically rich landscape. The mood is sophisticated, playful, and relentlessly driving, evoking the electric atmosphere of an after-hours West Coast jazz club. Clayton expertly utilizes the expanded instrumentation—incorporating woodwind doubles including flutes, oboes, and clarinets alongside the standard brass and rhythm section—to create translucent ensemble textures that contrast sharply with roaring, brass-heavy shout choruses. The arrangement shifts seamlessly between tight, harmonically dense ensemble solis and open-ended swing sections that demand absolute precision and rhythmic agility. The melodic weight is shared dynamically across the entire ensemble, though the saxes and upper brass frequently carry the primary thematic material with crisp articulation. Featured solo spaces allow proficient improvisers to stretch out over clever modal shifts and classic blues changes, making it a stellar showcase for a strong tenor saxophone or trumpet lead. Technically, the chart demands immaculate section blend, subtle dynamic control—especially during the lighter, woodwind-heavy interludes—and a deep internal sense of swing to execute Clayton's syncopated cross-rhythms and intricate background figures. The rewarding interplay between the rhythm section and horns ensures every section remains actively engaged from the first downbeat to the final resounding chord. Advanced collegiate, professional, and elite community big bands will find "Brush This" an exceptional centerpiece for festival programs, formal concerts, and recordings. Because of the sophisticated harmonic language, extended woodwind doubles, and high demand for stylistic maturity, it is best suited for advanced players capable of navigating complex swing nuances and dense chord voicings with poise and authority. Executing "Brush This" successfully requires meticulous attention to articulation, balance, and stylistic unity across all 22 instruments. The tempo should be kept at a comfortable, driving medium-up swing—never rushed, allowing the eighth-note swing feel to breathe naturally. Rhythm section players, particularly the drummer, must lean into the thematic concept of the title, utilizing light, interactive brushwork behind the soloists and comping with subtle displacement rather than heavy-handed timekeeping. The bass line acts as the anchor; acoustic bass players should focus on a strong, walking quarter-note pulse with clear articulation on the beats. For the horns, ensure that all short notes are clipped and clean, and that dynamic swells match precisely across sections. Watch out for the balance between the traditional big band brass and the woodwind doubles (flute, oboe, clarinets); the woodwinds must project their counter-melodies without forcing their tone. Rehearsals should begin section by section, isolating the syncopated background figures to lock in the phrasing before putting the full ensemble together. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this publication? A: This comprehensive 75-page publication includes a full conductor score alongside parts for an expanded 22-instrument big band instrumentation, featuring Flute, Oboe, Clarinet 1, Clarinet 2, Bass Clarinet, standard saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a full rhythm section. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This chart is written at an advanced level, specifically tailored for college, professional, and elite community big bands that possess strong technical facility, advanced reading skills, and deep stylistic familiarity with modern swing. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "Brush This"? A: Written in the sophisticated modern-swing tradition by master arranger John Clayton, the piece reflects the swinging, blues-infused aesthetic popularized by the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and contemporary post-bop big bands. Q: What makes this John Clayton arrangement unique? A: The chart stands out due to its clever integration of woodwind doubles—such as oboe and clarinet—into a traditional big band framework, creating a unique hybrid of orchestral woodwind color and hard-swinging brass grit. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo feel of the piece? A: "Brush This" is designed as a substantial concert or festival work operating at a driving medium-up swing tempo, typically clocking in around 5 to 6 minutes depending on the length of the improvised solos.