He's The Wizard (B.Lowden)

Originating from Charlie Smalls’ groundbreaking 1975 Broadway musical *The Wiz*—an all-Black urbanized retelling of L. Frank Baum’s *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*—"He’s the Wizard" stands as one of the most rhythmically infectious and soul-inflected theatrical numbers of the era. After Stephanie Mills immortalized the score on Broadway and the subsequent 1978 Quincy Jones-supervised film adaptation starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson cemented its cultural legacy, the tune quickly crossed over into the jazz and contemporary instrumental lexicon. Its blend of buoyant gospel-derived harmonies, driving R&B grooves, and sophisticated theatrical flair makes it prime material for large jazz ensemble interpretation. Bob Lowden’s masterful big band adaptation captures the vibrant, high-energy spirit of the original composition while translating it into a dynamic swinging jazz chart. Set in a bright, driving medium-up tempo with an infectious swing feel, the arrangement radiates joyful exuberance and theatrical flair. Lowden utilizes the full 16-instrument big band palette to create a rich tapestry of brass stabs, intertwining saxophone countermelodies, and thick, blues-drenched chord voicings. The overall mood is celebratory and driving, balancing punchy, rhythmic ensemble unisons with soaring, uplifting harmonic plateaus that evoke the triumphant energy of the Broadway stage. Lowden’s arranging approach shines through clever section interplay and seamless dynamic contrast. The chart opens with an attention-grabbing, rhythmically acute brass figure before handing the primary melody to the saxophones, who deliver it with articulation-heavy phrasing. Throughout the chart, Lowden builds momentum via clever developmental scoring, leading into a robust, high-octane shout chorus that showcases the power of the full brass section against a relentless rhythm section accompaniment. Featured solo changes provide ample space for standout improvisers—typically in the tenor saxophone or trumpet chairs—to stretch out over accessible, blues-rooted modal vamps. The writing demands clean articulation, tight section blend, and precise execution of syncopated rhythms, particularly in the rhythm section where a steady, driving pulse is mandatory to keep the theatrical momentum alive. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate jazz bands, and professional community big bands will find this chart to be an exceptionally rewarding addition to their repertoire. While the technical demands are manageable for proficient groups, the true challenge lies in capturing the authentic stylistic swagger, articulation nuances, and rhythmic pocket required to make the chart pop. It serves as an ideal program opener, high-energy set closer, or a crowd-pleasing feature that bridges the gap between classic musical theater and straight-ahead big band excitement. Success with Bob Lowden’s arrangement of "He’s the Wizard" hinges on rhythmic precision and stylistic unity. The tempo should be kept brisk and buoyant; dragging will instantly sap the chart of its theatrical vitality. Conductors should pay close attention to the syncopated eighth-note figures, ensuring that the horn sections articulate short notes with crisp, dry staccatos and longer notes with a warm, vocal-like sustain. The rhythm section is the engine room here: the drummer must maintain a crisp, driving ride cymbal pattern with a heavy backbeat on beats two and four, while the bassist locks in with a robust walking or repetitive groove that anchors the shifting harmonies. Brass players should execute falls and doits with clean intonation, avoiding sloppy pitch centers. During rehearsal, isolate the sax soli to ensure absolute blend and balance before integrating the brass counterlines. Remind soloists to lean into the blues tradition, matching the joyful, uninhibited energy of the surrounding ensemble textures. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this big band arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard 16-instrument big band instrumentation, featuring Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, 4 Trumpet parts, 4 Trombone parts, and a full rhythm section comprising piano, bass, drums, and guitar. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This chart is graded at a medium-advanced difficulty level, making it well-suited for accomplished high school bands, collegiate jazz ensembles, and professional community big bands capable of handling syncopated swing rhythms and stylistic shifts. Q: What is the musical style and historical background of this piece? A: The piece is a jazz big band adaptation of a soulful, high-energy theater number composed by Charlie Smalls from the 1975 Broadway hit *The Wiz*, blending theatrical flair with an infectious swing groove. Q: What makes Bob Lowden’s arrangement unique? A: Lowden brilliantly bridges the gap between Broadway musical theater and traditional big band jazz by utilizing punchy brass unisons, intricate saxophone soli work, and a powerhouse shout chorus that captures the ecstatic energy of the original score. Q: What is the recommended performance tempo and duration for this arrangement? A: The arrangement is set at a bright, driving medium-up swing tempo (approximately quarter note = 152-160 BPM) and typically runs around 3 to 4 minutes in duration depending on solo choruses.