On The Sunny Side Of The Street (T.Kubis)

Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields penned "On the Sunny Side of the Street" in 1930 for the Broadway musical *Lew Leslie's International Revue*, quickly establishing it as one of the definitive pillars of the Great American Songbook. Immortalized by early jazz royalty like Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and later vocal icons such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, the tune serves as an eternal emblem of optimism and resilience during the Great Depression. Its indestructible melody and joyous harmonic framework have made it a mandatory testing ground for swing and mainstream jazz practitioners across nearly a century of recorded history. Tom Kubis breathes vibrant, high-octane life into this classic standard, transforming a familiar Tin Pan Alley melody into a masterclass of modern big band writing. Conceived as an effervescent, driving medium-up swing, the arrangement radiates an infectious energy that balances classic West Coast brightness with sophisticated, contemporary harmonic motion. Kubis avoids predictable chronological clichés, instead infusing the chart with unexpected dynamic shifts, sparkling brass voicings, and relentless rhythmic momentum that immediately engages both the ensemble and the listener from the opening measure. Right from the onset, the chart showcases Kubis’s trademark compositional fingerprints: rich, expanded chord extensions, tightly interwoven sax solis, and punchy brass interjections that demand absolute precision. The reeds carry the initial heavy lifting with liquid-smooth phrasing, while the brass section answers with razor-sharp articulation and soaring upper-register flourishes. A high-energy shout chorus serves as the structural crown jewel, building layer upon layer of counterpoint before releasing into a thrilling, full-ensemble climax. Solo opportunities are thoughtfully integrated, providing designated space for featured horn players to stretch out over standard changes while the rhythm section maintains an insistent, buoyant pocket. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate big bands, and elite community jazz orchestras will find this chart an ideal vehicle for developing stylistic flexibility, ensemble blend, and stamina. While the technical demands require confident sight-reading and clean articulation—particularly in the woodwinds and lead trumpet chair—the inherent familiarity of the melody combined with Kubis's brilliant architecture guarantees an immensely rewarding rehearsal process and a show-stopping concert performance. Success with this Tom Kubis arrangement hinges on achieving a buoyant, driving medium-swing feel that never drags or rushes. The rhythm section is the engine; the drummer should maintain a crisp, feather-light ride cymbal pattern with a distinct two-and-four hi-hat chink, while the bassist walks with a robust, articulated quarter-note pulse that anchors the dense brass and reed voicings. Pay close attention to dynamic contrast: the soft, interactive ensemble passages must be whispered to allow the sudden, explosive brass stabs to maximize their impact. Articulation is paramount—ensure that all short notes are clipped uniformly and that accented figures speak with weight rather than harshness. Trumpet players should approach upper-register passages with a controlled, centered tone, avoiding forced volume, while the saxophone section must strive for a unified homogeneous blend during the unison and harmonized soli sections. Regular sectional rehearsals focusing on intonation within extended chord voicings will unlock the brilliant colors unique to Kubis's harmonic palette. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: The instrumentation comprises a standard 16-piece big band lineup, including 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, piano, bass, and drums, supported by a comprehensive 58-page score and part set. 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 ensembles, and professional or advanced community big bands with strong lead players. Q: What is the historical and stylistic background of the music? A: Based on Jimmy McHugh's 1930 jazz standard, this chart reimagines the classic tune through a contemporary, swinging big band lens heavily influenced by West Coast jazz arranging traditions. Q: What makes Tom Kubis's treatment unique? A: Kubis elevates the traditional standard through sparkling, extended harmonic voicings, intricate saxophone solis, witty rhythmic displacement, and a powerhouse shout chorus that completely revitalizes the familiar melody. Q: What are the expected tempo and performance duration? A: The piece is set in a bright, driving medium-swing feel at roughly 160 to 168 BPM, resulting in a performance duration of approximately 3.5 to 4.5 minutes depending on the length of the improvised solos.