Is It You (T.Kubis)

Tom Kubis has long held a reputation as one of the most inventive and swinging architects in modern big band jazz, and his original composition "Is It You" stands as a masterclass in contemporary West Coast arranging. Written and recorded to showcase the warmth, precision, and buoyant swing that define the modern big band idiom, this chart captures the vibrant spirit of late-20th-century studio jazz. Kubis, celebrated for his tenure writing for legends like Quincy Jones, Steve Allen, and the Tonight Show band, infuses this composition with the sophisticated harmonic vocabulary and infectious groove that have made his charts staples for elite collegiate and professional ensembles worldwide. Driving the composition is an energetic, bright medium-swing groove propelled by an intricate rhythm section foundation and crisp horn punctuations. The harmonic landscape is rich with lush, extended tertian and quartal voicings, shifting seamlessly between tight, driving ensemble unison lines and soaring, harmonized brass countermelodies. The mood is persistently uplifting and sophisticated, blending the buoyant drive of classic Count Basie-style shout choruses with the intricate, contemporary chordal movements characteristic of modern jazz composition. Throughout the chart, Kubis utilizes clever dynamic contrasts and rhythmic displacement to keep both the performers and the audience intensely engaged. Melodic duties are shared fluidly across the ensemble, with particular emphasis on warm flugelhorn voicings in the trumpet section—as specified by the scoring—giving the piece a softer, more lyrical pastel color before opening up into roaring brass climaxes. The arrangement features designated solo space for piano and trumpet, allowing featured improvisers to stretch out over changes that oscillate between straight-ahead swing and rich modal interludes. The technical challenges lie primarily in the precision required for the ensemble's tight rhythmic syncopation, rapid articulation shifts, and the stamina needed to maintain a sparkling, bright swing feel throughout the 85-page comprehensive score. Advanced collegiate ensembles, premier high school jazz bands, and professional community big bands will find "Is It You" an immensely rewarding centerpiece for a festival program or formal concert. The chart demands a mature rhythm section capable of driving a light, bouncing ride-cymbal feel, alongside lead trumpets comfortable navigating the upper register with a warm flugelhorn tone. Delivering this Kubis original offers an exceptional vehicle for developing sectional blend, dynamic control, and an authentic, driving modern big band swing aesthetic. Rehearsing "Is It You" requires meticulous attention to articulation, balance, and stylistic unity across all four sections. The tempo should be kept buoyant and relaxed rather than rushed; a bright medium swing is essential to letting the syncopated eighth-note lines breathe naturally. The primary technical challenge rests in the precise execution of the tight rhythmic figures traded between the saxophones and brass, which demand absolute unanimity in phrasing and tongue-stops. Conductors should pay close attention to the dynamic markings, ensuring that the background figures under the soloists never overpower the improviser. The trumpet section, doubling on flugelhorns for designated passages, must focus on blending their darker, richer timbre during the melodic statements before transitioning to open horns for the high-energy shout chorus. Encourage the rhythm section to lock in tightly with the horns' accents, utilizing crisp hi-hat closure on beats two and four to maintain the forward momentum without dragging or overplaying. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this publication? A: The 85-page package includes a complete conductor score and parts for a standard 16-instrument big band instrumentation, featuring 4 trumpets (all doubling on flugelhorn), standard saxophone and trombone sections, and a full rhythm section including piano. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is rated advanced, making it best suited for college ensembles, advanced high school bands, and professional community big bands with strong lead players and a mature rhythm section. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "Is It You"? A: Composed and arranged by Tom Kubis, this piece is a prime example of modern West Coast contemporary big band jazz, combining traditional swing drive with sophisticated, post-bop harmonic voicings. Q: What makes this Tom Kubis arrangement unique? A: It uniquely utilizes flugelhorns across the entire trumpet section for specific lyrical statements, coupled with Kubis's signature bright harmonic twists, witty countermelodies, and driving swing momentum. Q: What is the performance duration and recommended tempo feel? A: The piece is designed as a bright, buoyant medium swing that typically clocks in around standard festival performance lengths of 4 to 6 minutes, depending on the length of the improvised solos.