Everybody Neets A Win (M.Montgomery)

"Everybody Needs A Win," composed and arranged by Mat Montgomery, emerges as a vibrant and uplifting contemporary jazz standard, born from the unique circumstances of 2020. This piece was conceived by Montgomery as a gift to band directors and musicians during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to provide hope and brighten spirits through music. While not a traditional jazz standard from an earlier era, its immediate resonance and widespread embrace by the jazz community, particularly among educational ensembles, have quickly cemented its place as a modern staple. Montgomery, a seasoned trumpet player with a background in jazz studies and experience arranging for groups like the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the PH Factor Big Band, brings a fresh yet accessible perspective to big band writing. His work often focuses on creating modern and unique sounds that are approachable for a wide range of ensembles, from high school to professional levels. Musically, "Everybody Needs A Win" is characterized by its infectious medium swing feel, typically set in a bright, optimistic key that immediately evokes a sense of joy and forward momentum. The piece pulses with an energetic, yet controlled, drive, making it an ideal opener or an invigorating mid-set number. Montgomery's compositional style here is marked by clear melodic lines, often presented with rich, full-bodied voicings that utilize the entire big band palette. The mood is unequivocally positive and encouraging, designed to uplift both performers and audiences alike. The arrangement skillfully balances intricate ensemble passages with moments of open, expressive soloing, allowing for both collective power and individual artistry to shine. Montgomery’s arranging approach for "Everybody Needs A Win" showcases his distinctive ability to craft sophisticated big band textures while maintaining playability. The arrangement features compelling soli sections, where various instrument groups engage in tight, harmonized melodic exchanges, demonstrating his mastery of ensemble writing. Expect carefully constructed shout choruses that build dynamic intensity, employing extended harmonies that add depth and color without becoming overly complex. The lead trumpet range is designed to be accessible, typically not exceeding a written high C, making it suitable for developing players while still sounding impressive. The melody is primarily carried by the saxophone section in the initial statements, often passed to the brass for powerful, driving declarations. Featured solo opportunities are flexible, allowing for improvisation from various members of the band, fostering creativity within the ensemble. This arrangement is particularly rewarding to perform due to its engaging melodies, satisfying harmonic progressions, and the sheer exhilaration of its energetic swing, culminating in a powerful and memorable final statement. This arrangement is ideally suited for high school, college, and community jazz ensembles, though its quality and engaging nature make it a strong contender for professional groups as well. Its technical demands are thoughtfully balanced, offering enough challenge to foster growth in developing musicians without overwhelming them, while still providing ample musicality for more advanced players. The clear melodic content and driving rhythm make it an excellent choice for teaching swing feel and ensemble precision, ensuring a rewarding experience for all involved. To capture the true essence of "Everybody Needs A Win," conductors should emphasize a consistent, driving medium swing feel from the outset, maintaining a strong rhythmic pulse throughout. The primary technical challenge lies in achieving unified articulation and blend within the soli sections, particularly between the saxophones and brass. Encourage musicians to listen across sections and match phrasing precisely. For the brass, clear, bright attacks are crucial, especially in the shout choruses, but always with a controlled dynamic to avoid overblowing. Trumpets should focus on a confident, open sound, utilizing falls and doits where indicated to add authentic jazz inflection. The rhythm section must lay down a solid, grooving foundation; the bass should be felt more than heard, providing a steady walking line, while the drums drive the swing with a crisp ride cymbal pattern. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to isolating soli passages, practicing them slowly to ensure harmonic clarity and rhythmic accuracy before bringing them up to tempo. Emphasize the uplifting and celebratory mood of the piece, encouraging expressive playing that conveys its positive message. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This big band arrangement includes 17 instruments: Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trumpet 3, Trumpet 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Bass Trombone, Piano, Bass, Drums, and Guitar. It also comes with a comprehensive conductor score, totaling 46 pages. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Everybody Needs A Win (M.Montgomery)"? A: This arrangement is designed to be accessible yet engaging, making it suitable for high school, college, and community jazz ensembles. While it presents opportunities for musical growth, its technical demands are balanced, allowing developing musicians to perform it successfully while still offering musical depth for more advanced players. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece? A: "Everybody Needs A Win" is a contemporary jazz standard composed and arranged by Mat Montgomery in 2020. It features a vibrant medium swing feel and an uplifting mood, created to provide an encouraging and positive musical experience during challenging times. Q: What makes this particular arrangement unique compared to other big band charts? A: M. Montgomery's arrangement is distinguished by its clear, uplifting melodic lines, accessible yet rich harmonic voicings, and thoughtfully crafted soli and shout choruses. It balances intricate ensemble writing with flexible solo sections, making it both musically sophisticated and highly performable for a wide range of ensembles. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo of "Everybody Needs A Win"? A: The piece is typically performed at a medium swing tempo, creating an energetic and driving feel. While exact duration can vary with improvisation, a standard performance usually falls within the 4-6 minute range, making it an ideal length for concerts or festivals.