More (T.Kubis)

Originally composed by Riz Ortolani and Nino Oliviero for the 1962 documentary *Mondo Cane*, the lush melody known simply as "More" quickly transcended its cinematic origins to become an enduring standard of the Great American Songbook. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song and famously recorded by artists ranging from Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams to Kai Winding and Ben Webster, the tune possesses a sweeping, romantic contour that begs for a sophisticated jazz interpretation. Its rich harmonic framework and soaring lyrical lines provide an ideal canvas for expansive big band writing, bridging mid-century cinematic pop with classic mainstream jazz vocabulary. Tom Kubis’s masterful chart transforms this iconic theme into an effervescent, high-energy swing vehicle that showcases the arranger’s trademark wit, intricate counterpoint, and driving momentum. Moving away from a standard ballad treatment, Kubis injects the arrangement with a vibrant medium-up swing groove characterized by crisp articulation, clever syncopation, and sparkling brass flourishes. The mood shifts effortlessly from sophisticated, muted elegance to an exuberant, full-ensemble celebration. The harmonic language is deliciously dense, featuring extended and altered dominants that add a modern edge while remaining deeply respectful of the melody's timeless tonal center. The structural architecture of the chart highlights Kubis’s gift for dynamic contrast and brilliant orchestral pacing. The arrangement opens with an enticing modal-flavored introduction before the saxophones introduce the primary theme, woven together with subtle counter-melodies in the lower brass. Featured solo space allows improvisers to stretch out over changes that naturally build in tension and release. The climax arrives in a tour-de-force shout chorus where the ensemble fires on all cylinders, utilizing soaring trumpet leads, punchy trombone cross-voicing, and driving sax solis that demand precision and stamina. Tailored for advanced high school, collegiate, and professional jazz ensembles, this chart rewards bands that possess a refined sense of swing and strong sectional independence. While the instrumentation is streamlined for an 8-instrument horn section (Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, plus rhythm section integration), the voicing is remarkably full and achieves a massive, room-filling sound without requiring a standard 17-piece big band. Conductor and players alike will find that the chart's intricate dynamic shifts, bright tempo, and clever rhythmic surprises make it an unforgettable centerpiece for any festival program or advanced concert set. Success with this Tom Kubis arrangement hinges on crisp articulation and unwavering time feel. The tempo should be set at a bright, buoyant medium-swing (approx. quarter note = 168–174 BPM), avoiding any tendency to drag during the dense harmonic shifts. The rhythm section must maintain a feather-light, driving ride cymbal pulse and a conversational bass line that propels the horns without heavy-handedness. Horn players must pay strict attention to Kubis's articulation markings—short, punctuated accents must be crisp and uniform across sections, particularly during the fast-moving transitional figures. Section leaders should ensure that the dynamic contrasts are exaggerated; when the chart drops to a whispered whisper under soloists, the background figures must remain whisper-quiet to preserve transparency. Trumpets should utilize cup or harmon mutes where indicated to achieve that authentic retro-cinematic sheen, ensuring the unmuted shout sections deliver maximum impact when they finally arrive. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This chart is scored for an 8-instrument horn section comprising Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, and Trombone parts, fully supported by a complete rhythm section (Piano, Bass, Drums, and Guitar). Q: What is the difficulty level of this chart? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced (Level 4–5), making it well-suited for top-tier high school ensembles, university jazz bands, and professional community orchestras that excel at tight swing articulation and technical precision. Q: What is the style and historical context of this piece? A: Originally written by Riz Ortolani as the theme for the 1962 film *Mondo Cane*, this arrangement reimagines the Academy Award-nominated pop standard through a vibrant, swinging mid-century modern big band lens. Q: What makes this specific Tom Kubis arrangement unique? A: Kubis departs from the traditional ballad treatment by infusing the melody with a high-energy swing feel, clever harmonic substitutions, sparkling counterpoint, and a signature powerhouse shout chorus that reinterprets a cinematic classic. Q: What is the performance duration and recommended tempo? A: The arrangement runs approximately 3.5 to 4 minutes in length and is designed to be performed at a bright medium-swing tempo of around 168 to 174 beats per minute.