Follow That Line (D.Hanson)

"Follow That Line," composed by David Hanson, emerges as a quintessential jazz standard, deeply rooted in the post-bop era of the late 20th century. While the original composition date is often cited in the late 1980s, its melodic sophistication and harmonic depth quickly established it as a staple in contemporary jazz repertoire, celebrated by discerning musicians for its intricate yet accessible structure. It represents a period where jazz composition began to blend traditional swing sensibilities with more modern harmonic extensions and rhythmic interplay, moving beyond the bebop era into a more expansive, yet still swinging, soundscape. Though not necessarily "made famous" by a single iconic recording in the way older standards were, its enduring appeal lies in its adaptability and the rich improvisational opportunities it presents, making it a favorite among collegiate and professional ensembles. This particular arrangement of "Follow That Line" is presented as a medium-up swing, typically performed at a brisk but comfortable tempo around 180-200 BPM in 4/4 time. The piece is primarily set in the key of F major, offering a bright and energetic mood that balances intricate melodic lines with a driving rhythmic pulse. The overall energy is one of sophisticated excitement, evoking the vibrant atmosphere of a live club performance where virtuosity meets soulful expression. The harmonic language is rich with extended chords and subtle reharmonizations, providing a lush backdrop for both the ensemble and soloists. Its character is undeniably forward-moving, maintaining momentum through carefully crafted transitions and dynamic shifts that keep both performers and listeners engaged. D. Hanson's arrangement of his own composition showcases an intimate understanding of the piece's core identity, while simultaneously elevating it for the big band format. His signature approach often involves meticulously crafted voicings that highlight the rich harmonic possibilities of the brass and saxophone sections, creating a full and resonant sound. Expect intricate soli sections for the saxophones that weave complex counterpoint, often punctuated by crisp brass figures. The arrangement features a dynamic build-up, moving from a relatively understated opening statement to powerful shout choruses that are both harmonically dense and rhythmically incisive. Hanson's treatment frequently employs subtle rhythmic displacements and unexpected harmonic turns, adding layers of interest without ever sacrificing the underlying swing feel. The melody of "Follow That Line" is initially carried by the solo flugelhorn, providing a warm, lyrical introduction before being picked up and developed by various sections. There are ample opportunities for featured improvisation, with clearly designated solo sections for flugelhorn, alto saxophone, and tenor saxophone, allowing individual voices to shine within the ensemble context. Technical challenges include precise articulation in the fast-moving soli passages, maintaining blend and balance within the dense voicings, and navigating the dynamic contrasts effectively. The rewarding aspect of performing this arrangement lies in its ability to challenge musicians while offering immense musical satisfaction through its engaging melodies, sophisticated harmonies, and exhilarating ensemble passages. This arrangement is ideally suited for advanced high school, collegiate, community, and professional big bands. Its demands on ensemble precision, individual musicianship, and improvisational skill make it a valuable addition to any serious jazz program, offering a rich educational and performance experience. "Follow That Line" demands a cohesive ensemble sound and precise rhythmic execution. Conductors should emphasize tight articulation, particularly in the saxophone soli sections where intricate lines require unified phrasing and attack. The medium-up swing tempo (around 180-200 BPM) must be maintained with a consistent, driving feel, avoiding any tendency to rush or drag. Pay close attention to dynamic contrasts; the arrangement features significant shifts from piano to fortissimo, which are crucial for shaping the musical narrative. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to balancing the dense voicings in the shout choruses, ensuring all parts speak clearly without one section overpowering another. The solo flugelhorn part requires a lyrical approach with excellent tone control. While no unusual special techniques are explicitly notated, musicians should be prepared for standard jazz inflections such as falls, doits, and scoops where stylistically appropriate, particularly in the brass sections to enhance the authentic big band sound. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement includes parts for 18 instruments: Solo Flugelhorn, 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, Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Drums. A full conductor score spanning 94 pages is also included. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Follow That Line (D.Hanson)"? A: This arrangement is considered advanced, suitable for experienced high school, collegiate, community, and professional big bands. It presents challenges in terms of intricate voicings, precise articulation, dynamic control, and improvisational demands. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece? A: "Follow That Line" is a contemporary jazz standard composed by David Hanson, rooted in the post-bop era of the late 20th century. It embodies a sophisticated medium-up swing style, blending traditional jazz sensibilities with modern harmonic and rhythmic elements. Q: What makes D.Hanson's arrangement of "Follow That Line" unique? A: Hanson's arrangement of his own composition is distinctive for its meticulously crafted voicings, dynamic shout choruses, and intricate saxophone soli sections. It features a solo flugelhorn introduction and provides ample space for improvisation, all while maintaining a driving, energetic swing feel. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo for this arrangement? A: While performance duration can vary slightly with improvisation length, "Follow That Line" typically runs between 5-7 minutes. It is designed to be performed at a medium-up swing tempo, generally in the range of 180-200 BPM.