Plain Brown Wrapper (B.Holman)

"Plain Brown Wrapper," a compelling original composition by the legendary Bill Holman, stands as a testament to the enduring vitality of the big band tradition. While the title might evoke a sense of mystery, it is not to be confused with the country song of the same name by Gary Morris. Instead, Holman's "Plain Brown Wrapper" is a quintessential jazz standard, deeply rooted in the post-swing era and a vibrant example of the sophisticated big band writing that flourished in the mid-20th century. Holman himself is renowned for his groundbreaking arrangements for the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the 1950s, establishing a recognizable style that transformed melodies into captivating musical journeys. This particular piece showcases his mastery, having been notably recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra on their album "I Told You So," solidifying its place in the big band canon. Musically, "Plain Brown Wrapper" is a rip-roaring, swinging chart, typically performed at a bright, medium-up tempo. It exudes an energetic and confident mood, characterized by a driving swing feel in 4/4 time. The piece often begins with the trombones and rhythm section establishing a solid foundation with simple, yet effective, half-note figures, quickly joined by the saxophones and trumpets in a series of exciting, linear lines that propel the music forward. Holman's compositions frequently connect to the blues and often convey a sophisticated sense of humor, elements subtly woven into the fabric of this piece. The overall energy is infectious, designed to engage both performers and listeners with its relentless forward motion and intricate interplay. Bill Holman's arranging approach is distinctive for its balance of counterpoint, voicings, and strategic use of space for solos. In "Plain Brown Wrapper," expect to find his signature linear writing, where individual sections contribute to a complex, yet transparent, texture. The arrangement features a powerful sax section soli, a hallmark of Holman's style, where the saxophone voices intertwine with precision and drive. The piece builds to one of the "great shout choruses of all time," a moment of thrilling, full-ensemble power that is both exhilarating and meticulously crafted. Solo opportunities are prominently featured for tenor saxophone, trombone, piano, and drums, allowing individual voices to shine within the ensemble's dynamic framework. The technical challenges lie in maintaining the bright tempo and precise ensemble articulation, particularly within the fast-moving lines and the powerful shout chorus. It is rewarding to perform due to its inherent swing, the clarity of Holman's writing, and the sheer excitement generated by its dynamic peaks. This arrangement is ideally suited for advanced high school, college, community, and professional big bands. Its Grade 4-5 difficulty rating indicates a challenging yet achievable experience for ensembles with strong technical proficiency and a solid understanding of the jazz idiom. The demands on section cohesion, individual soloists, and dynamic control make it an excellent vehicle for developing sophisticated big band performance skills and a thrilling addition to any concert program. Conductors should emphasize a consistent, driving swing feel from the outset, ensuring the rhythm section establishes a strong foundation. The initial trombone and rhythm section figures should be precise and locked in, as they set the tone for the entire piece. Technical challenges include maintaining clarity and articulation in the fast linear passages for both saxophones and brass, particularly in the ensemble sections. Balance is crucial: ensure that the intricate counterpoint allows each melodic line to be heard without obscuring the overall texture. The powerful shout chorus requires careful attention to dynamics and blend to achieve maximum impact without overblowing. Soloists should be encouraged to embrace the energetic, driving nature of the chart, utilizing the provided solo spaces for expressive improvisation. No special techniques like plunger mutes or falls are explicitly required, focusing instead on clean articulation and a robust big band sound. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a full big band with 18 instruments, including Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1-5, Trombone 1-4, Piano, Bass, and Drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Plain Brown Wrapper"? A: This arrangement is rated Grade 4-5, indicating it is suitable for advanced high school, college, community, and professional big bands due to its technical demands and sophisticated musical content. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece? A: "Plain Brown Wrapper" is an original jazz standard composed by Bill Holman, reflecting the sophisticated big band writing style of the mid-20th century, notably recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra. Q: What makes this arrangement unique? A: This arrangement showcases Bill Holman's signature linear writing, intricate voicings, compelling sax section soli, and one of his famously powerful shout choruses, offering extensive solo opportunities for multiple instruments. Q: What is the typical performance duration or tempo for this piece? A: "Plain Brown Wrapper" is a bright, rip-roaring swing chart, typically performed at a medium-up tempo, making it an energetic and engaging addition to any program.