Imagine What A Change Will Do (T. Kubis)

Originally composed and recorded for the critically acclaimed Tom Kubis Big Band album *Slightly Off the Ground*, "Imagine What A Change Will Do" exemplifies the sophisticated, swinging West Coast contemporary jazz writing that defines Kubis's signature catalog. Emerging from the vibrant Los Angeles studio jazz scene of the late 1980s, this chart captures an era where traditional big band architecture fused seamlessly with modern harmonic extensions and lyrical, expressive storytelling. Carol Jolin's evocative composition provides an ideal canvas for Kubis's unique sensibilities, bridging traditional jazz ballad styling with inventive, lush contemporary voicings. Rooted in a lush, medium-tempo ballad and swing feel, the musical character balances rich emotional depth with an underlying forward momentum. The piece unfolds in a warm, inviting key area characterized by expansive major-seventh and altered dominant sonorities that evoke a mood of hopeful introspection and gentle transformation. Rather than maintaining a static ballad texture, Kubis infuses the arrangement with subtle rhythmic shifts and shifting harmonic plateaus, creating an evolving landscape that moves fluidly from intimate, exposed passages to sweeping, full-ensemble climaxes without ever losing its core lyrical intimacy. Kubis approaches the scoring with an intricate mastery of woodwind and brass textures, utilizing rich chord cluster voicings, tight horn solis, and dynamic countermelodies that weave effortlessly around the primary theme. The melody is primarily carried by the brass and saxophone sections, highlighted by a prominent, featured trombone solo that acts as the emotional nucleus of the chart. Technical demands center around blend, intonation, and breath control rather than raw speed, requiring players to navigate wide dynamic arcs and delicate ensemble balance. The reward lies in executing Kubis's clever transitional figures and savoring the sophisticated chordal resolutions that make contemporary West Coast big band writing so distinct. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional big bands will find this arrangement exceptionally well-suited to their libraries. It serves as an ideal vehicle for developing collegiate and advanced ensembles in lyrical phrasing, nuanced swing interpretation, and mature section blending, while offering professional groups a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing concert work that showcases a premier trombone soloist. Achieving the proper execution of this chart requires meticulous attention to blend, dynamic restraint, and stylistic cohesion. The tempo should be maintained at a comfortable, relaxed medium-ballad pulse where the underlying swing eighth-notes remain felt rather than heavily articulated. The featured trombonist must approach the solo lines with a vocal quality, utilizing a warm, centered tone and flexible phrasing that floats effortlessly over the ensemble pads. Section leaders should closely monitor intonation during the dense chord clusters common in Kubis's writing, particularly when the saxophones and trombones interlock in close harmony. Ensure that background figures remain dynamic undercurrents that never obscure the primary melodic voice. Subtle use of vibrato should be warm and controlled across all sections to preserve the modern West Coast aesthetic. Rehearsals should initially focus on sectional balance and seamless transitions between the intimate ballad sections and the fuller, swinging ensemble swells. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This complete 47-page big band publication includes a full conductor score and individual parts for 18 instruments, featuring standard instrumentation: two alto saxophones, two tenor saxophones, baritone saxophone, four trumpets, four trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of this piece? A: This arrangement is graded as intermediate to advanced (suitable for high school extension groups, college jazz ensembles, and professional bands), focusing heavily on lyrical maturity, intonation, and dynamic control rather than extreme technical velocity. Q: What is the style and historical context of the piece? A: Written by Carol Jolin and arranged by Tom Kubis, this medium-tempo jazz ballad represents the sophisticated West Coast big band style and was famously recorded by the Tom Kubis Big Band on their album *Slightly Off the Ground*. Q: What makes this Tom Kubis arrangement unique? A: The chart is distinguished by its lush, modern harmonic voicings, intricate background counterpoint, and a prominent, highly expressive featured solo role specifically designed for a lead trombone. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo feel? A: The piece runs approximately four and a half minutes in duration and is anchored by a relaxed, flowing medium-ballad swing feel.