By The Sea (T.Kubis)

Tom Kubis has long been celebrated as one of the most inventive and swinging writers in modern big band jazz, and his composition and arrangement of "By The Sea" stands as a shining example of his signature West Coast brilliance. Emerging from the vibrant Southern California studio and jazz scene where Kubis made his indelible mark writing for legends like an array of stellar big bands and his own celebrated orchestra, this chart captures the breezy, optimistic sophistication characteristic of the genre’s finest contemporary exponents. Rather than drawing strictly from the 1930s or 40s traditional canon, Kubis crafts a modern original standard that bridges mainstream swing sensibilities with advanced harmonic colorings, making it an enduring favorite for adventurous ensembles seeking high-energy repertoire. Stylistically, "By The Sea" unfolds with an infectious, driving medium-up swing groove that instantly evokes coastal sunshine and breezy momentum. Built upon a robust foundation of crisp rhythmic interplay and lush, expanded chord structures, the mood is relentlessly upbeat, sophisticated, and joyous. Kubis utilizes a tight, punchy 9-instrument instrumentation that maximizes every single voice, creating a much larger sonic footprint than the modest numbers suggest. The arrangement is masterfully paced, moving effortlessly from sparkling thematic statements to intricate sax solis and rich brass counterlines that showcase the arranger's genius for textural contrast. The melodic heavy lifting is shared dynamically across the horn section, with standout moments featuring crisp woodwind unison passages that demand absolute technical precision and a unified articulation style. Kubis incorporates signature compositional devices here, including unexpected chromatic passing chords, soaring trumpet lines that ride gracefully over the ensemble, and a roaring shout chorus that builds inexorably in volume and intensity before resolving into a satisfying, high-spirited climax. Solos are strategically integrated into the form, providing featured improvisers ample room to stretch out over accessible yet stimulating changes that maintain the audience's rapt attention. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional or community big bands will find this chart uniquely rewarding. While the reduced 9-instrument configuration demands individual accountability from every player—since there is no safety net of doubled sections—the payoff is an exceptionally transparent, clean jazz sound that avoids the mud often found in larger arrangements. Conductors will appreciate how naturally the chart rehearses once the rhythm section locks into the foundational pocket, allowing directors to focus heavily on stylistic nuance, dynamic shading, and swing articulation. "By The Sea" is a masterclass in modern big band writing that guarantees an unforgettable highlight for any sophisticated jazz program. Bringing Tom Kubis’s "By The Sea" to life requires meticulous attention to articulation, particularly the crisp execution of short, accented notes and relaxed swing eighth notes. The rhythm section serves as the engine; the drummer must maintain a buoyant, driving ride cymbal pattern without overplaying, while the bassist locks in a steady, acoustic-sounding walking quarter-note feel that propels the ensemble. Horn players should carefully balance dynamic markings, ensuring that background figures never obscure the primary melody or featured soloists. Watch out for sudden dynamic shifts leading into the shout chorus; these require absolute ensemble unity to achieve maximum impact. Articulation markings such as falls and doits should be executed with clean stylistic integrity rather than exaggerated effects. Directors should spend early rehearsals isolating the intricate sax soli sections at a slower tempo to guarantee pristine intonation and unified phrasing before pushing up to the performance tempo. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement of "By The Sea"? A: This chart is scored for a 9-instrument flexible or specialized big band ensemble, specifically featuring Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and a complete rhythm section framework spanning 38 total pages of detailed notation. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is best suited for advanced high school, collegiate, and professional or community big bands, primarily due to the 9-player configuration which requires individual confidence and technical proficiency from every musician. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "By The Sea"? A: Written and arranged by Tom Kubis, the piece is a modern West Coast jazz original characterized by an upbeat, driving medium-swing groove that reflects the sophisticated, high-energy compositional voice of contemporary big band jazz. Q: What makes this specific Tom Kubis arrangement unique? A: The chart stands out for its clever, transparent 9-instrument scoring that achieves a massive big band sound, combined with Kubis's signature harmonically rich voicings, sparkling sax solis, and an exhilarating, high-impact shout chorus. Q: What is the recommended performance tempo and duration for this piece? A: The arrangement is set to a bright, infectious medium-up swing tempo (approximately quarter note = 160-168 BPM), resulting in a standard performance duration of roughly 4 to 5 minutes depending on the length of improvised solos.