Read It And Wail (H.Wolking)

Harry Wolking’s "Read It And Wail" stands as a brilliant testament to contemporary big band writing, merging the sophisticated harmonic palette of modern jazz composition with the driving, high-octane energy of traditional powerhouse swing. Emerging from the pen of a celebrated composer and educator renowned for bridging academic rigor with visceral audience appeal, this chart captures the essence of mid-to-late 20th-century modern big band literature. While drawing lineage from the aggressive, brass-heavy idioms popularized by writers like Bill Holman and Bob Mintzer, Wolking stamps the composition with an unmistakable individual voice characterized by intricate counterpoint, rich chromatic mediants, and relentless forward momentum. Driven by a crisp, high-energy uptempo swing feel in 4/4 time, the arrangement opens with an arresting, rhythmic motif that immediately establishes a tense, urgent mood before exploding into full ensemble textures. The emotional landscape shifts dynamically between cool, calculated harmonic suspensions in the woodwinds and thunderous, full-throated ensemble declarations. Wolking employs dense, extended tertian and quartal voicings across the five-saxophone, four-trumpet, and four-trombone section, creating a lush wall of sound that constantly challenges the ear. Interlocking rhythmic figures between the rhythm section and horns generate a palpable groove, keeping both performers and listeners on the edge of their seats from the initial downbeat to the final chord. Throughout the chart, instrumental roles are distributed with masterclass precision. The melody is introduced by the saxophone section working in tight, agile unison before expanding into harmonized soli sections that demand absolute technical clarity and uniform articulation. Open solo sections provide a prime platform for advanced improvisers—typically featuring changes tailored for tenor saxophone and trumpet—while the rhythm section acts as an active participant rather than mere timekeepers, utilizing syncopated comping figures that propel the soloists forward. The climax arrives in a meticulously crafted shout chorus, where Wolking unleashes the full might of the brass section against a churning saxophone background, building relentless tension through delayed resolutions and ascending modulation before slamming into a decisive, punchy ending. Advanced collegiate, top-tier high school, and professional jazz ensembles will find this 69-page tour de force exceptionally rewarding. The arrangement demands pristine section blend, agile fingerwork in fast tempos, and mature stylistic awareness, particularly in executing modern swing eighth-note placement. Conductors looking to test their band’s endurance, technical precision, and dynamic range will discover that "Read It And Wail" serves as both an unforgettable concert closer and a profound educational vehicle for mastering contemporary big band idioms. Executing "Read It And Wail" successfully requires rigorous attention to rhythmic precision and section articulation. The tempo must remain relentlessly steady; any drag will severely diminish the chart's driving momentum. The rhythm section is the engine room here—drummers should maintain a crisp, conversational ride cymbal pattern with a strong backbeat on 2 and 4, avoiding over-cluttered fills that muddy Wolking's intricate horn lines. Pianists and guitarists must use sparse, highly rhythmic rootless voicings that complement the modern harmonic structure without stepping on the horns. Horns should approach the accented figures with sharp, defined attacks, ensuring that short notes are properly clipped and long tones maintain a vibrant, supported core. Pay close attention to the dynamic markings leading into the shout chorus; subtle dynamic contrast is what makes the final peak truly explosive. Brass players should ensure clean execution of falls and doits where indicated, keeping them stylized and uniform across the section rather than over-exaggerated. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This 69-page publication includes a full conductor score and individual parts for a standard 18-piece big band: Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Read It And Wail"? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it best suited for top-tier collegiate, professional, and advanced high school jazz ensembles with strong section players and confident improvisers. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of the piece? A: Composed by Harry Wolking, it is an original contemporary jazz composition that expands upon the modern big band swing tradition, blending complex chromatic harmonies with high-energy, driving swing feels. Q: What makes this H.Wolking arrangement unique? A: It is distinguished by its sophisticated contrapuntal lines, dense extended chord voicings, and an intricately developed shout chorus that showcases Wolking's signature balance of academic rigor and sheer entertainment value. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo feel? A: The piece is written as a fast, high-energy uptempo swing chart, typically clocking in around 4 to 5 minutes depending on the length of the open solo rotations and the chosen tempo.