Here's That Rainy Day (T.Kubis)

Composed in 1953 by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Burke, "Here’s That Rainy Day" originated in the short-lived Broadway musical *Carnival in Flanders* before ascending to the upper echelon of the Great American Songbook. Immortalized by Frank Sinatra on his 1959 concept album *No One Cares* and later embraced as a quintessential vehicle by jazz luminaries like Bill Evans, Wes Montgomery, and Chet Baker, the tune is celebrated for its sophisticated, descending harmonic progression and poignant melodic contour. It represents the pinnacle of mid-century popular songwriting that naturally bridges the gap into sophisticated modern jazz improvisation, offering a masterclass in melancholy and resolution. Tom Kubis’s masterwork for big band transforms this beloved standard from an intimate vocal vehicle into a sweeping, dynamically diverse instrumental showcase. Eschewing a straightforward ballad treatment, Kubis frames the composition with a lush, sophisticated groove that balances tender introspection with bursts of vibrant West Coast-style vitality. The arrangement opens with rich, contemporary woodwind voicings that immediately establish a reflective, atmospheric mood before settling into a relaxed, undulating swing feel. Throughout the chart, Kubis employs his signature harmonizations—characterized by extended tertian chords, clever chromatic inner-voice movement, and sudden, breathtaking harmonic shifts that keep both the performers and the audience thoroughly engaged. The melodic narrative is shared artfully across the ensemble, featuring gorgeous full-ensemble soli sections that highlight the rich blend of the five-saxophone and four-trombonist sections. A standout emotional peak arrives with a soaring trumpet feature that tests the soloist’s lyrical phrasing and control over the upper register, supported by a cushion of shimmering brass pads. The rhythm section plays a pivotal role, requiring a sensitive drummer who can navigate subtle brushwork during the quieter verses and drive a crisp, buoyant medium-swing groove when the arrangement opens up. While there is no chaotic, high-volume shout chorus, Kubis crafts a magnificent climactic build that releases tension organically before fading back into the quiet, haunting introspection of the opening thematic material. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate jazz orchestras, and professional big bands will find this chart to be an exceptionally rewarding addition to their repertoire. It demands a mature sense of swing, excellent intonation within the reed and brass sections, and a refined ear for balancing dense, modern chord structures. Directors will appreciate how the arrangement naturally teaches ensemble listening and dynamic control, making it an ideal centerpiece for festival performances, formal concerts, or recorded projects where musical sophistication takes precedence over sheer velocity. Navigating Tom Kubis’s chart requires a mature understanding of dynamic restraint and stylistic finesse. The tempo should be held at a comfortable, conversational medium-swing pace—never rushed, allowing the eighth-note swing to feel naturally laid-back and breathable. The primary technical challenge lies in the execution of the dense, extended-harmony voicings; sections must practice chord-tone balancing meticulously to ensure that the melody remains prominent against the shifting inner voices. Brass players should approach mutes (if utilized in rehearsal discretion) with careful attention to intonation, while open horns must focus on a warm, vocal-like tone quality during the exposed ballad-esque interludes. Rehearsals should initially isolate the rhythm section to lock in the subtle push-and-pull of the groove before layering in the horns. Conductor focus must remain heavily on dynamic shaping, ensuring the gradual swells and sudden decrescendos sound seamless and emotionally resonant. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This standard 18-instrument big band arrangement includes parts for 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums, spanning a comprehensive 60-page score and set of parts. Q: What is the difficulty level of this chart? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it best suited for accomplished high school bands, collegiate jazz ensembles, and professional or community big bands with strong section players. Q: What is the historical and stylistic context of the music? A: Based on Jimmy Van Heusen’s 1953 classic jazz standard, this chart frames the timeless melody within Tom Kubis’s signature West Coast contemporary big-band style, blending traditional swing elements with lush, modern harmonies. Q: What makes this specific arrangement by Tom Kubis unique? A: Unlike standard vocal-accompaniment versions, Kubis treats the instrumentalists to intricate, shifting inner-voice harmonies, rich full-ensemble solis, and a dynamic arc that transitions from deep introspection to sophisticated swing without relying on a typical high-energy shout chorus. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo feel? A: The arrangement runs approximately 4 to 5 minutes in duration and is anchored by a relaxed, conversational medium-swing tempo that prioritizes lyrical phrasing and subtle groove over rapid velocity.