Slightly Off The Ground (T.Kubis)

Tom Kubis’s "Slightly Off The Ground" stands as a brilliant testament to the West Coast big band tradition, capturing the infectious optimism, intricate harmonic motion, and high-octane swing that defined Kubis's celebrated writing style from the late 20th century onward. Emerging from a lineage of master arrangers who balanced smart, contemporary harmonic extensions with an undeniable toe-tapping accessibility, Kubis crafted this chart to showcase the precision and flexibility of a standard 17-piece jazz orchestra. While not an ancient Ellingtonian standard, the piece embodies the modern, television-studio-honed aesthetic associated with the Los Angeles jazz scene, where clarity of articulation and razor-sharp ensemble writing are paramount. Driving forward with a bright, infectious medium-up swing feel, "Slightly Off The Ground" lives up to its name by creating a floating, buoyant energy from the downbeat. The composition dances through clever modulations and sparkling altered dominant voicings, evoking a mood of sophisticated urban exuberance mixed with playful wit. Kubis utilizes the full dynamic and tonal spectrum of the big band, contrasting sparse, rhythmically punchy comping behind the soloists with massive, harmonically dense tutti explosions that demand absolute synchronization from the brass and reeds. True to Kubis’s signature craft, the arrangement features meticulously sculpted saxophone solis that intertwine complex bebop-infused lines with blues-soaked phrasing, requiring deep sectional listening and unified articulation. The shout chorus serves as a masterclass in modern big band architecture, building momentum layer by layer through cascading countermelodies before opening up into a roaring, high-register ensemble climax. Solos are strategically placed to maintain structural flow, giving featured improvisers ample room to stretch out over crisp, driving changes without losing the momentum of the chart. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional big bands will find this 68-page powerhouse exceptionally rewarding, though it demands a mature rhythm section and strong section leaders to navigate its rhythmic sophistication. The brass section requires reliable endurance and agility—particularly in the upper registers—while the woodwind players must seamlessly transition between tight, breath-aligned unison passages and lush, expanded chord clusters. Executing "Slightly Off The Ground" successfully elevates an ensemble's internal clock, stylistic versatility, and command of modern swinging articulation. Conductors tackling "Slightly Off The Ground" must prioritize clean, weight-bearing articulation and an unwavering, forward-leaning time feel. The tempo needs to remain steady and buoyant; rushing the medium-up groove will cause Kubis's intricate inner-voice movements to blur. Ensure the rhythm section establishes a light, conversational ride cymbal pattern and locked-in bass line that supports rather than overpowers the horns. In the saxophone soli, focus heavily on unified air support and consistent placement of short notes, avoiding clipped or heavy staccatos that kill the swing momentum. Brass players should execute falls, doits, and accents with intentionality rather than exaggeration, keeping the tone centered and rich even in the upper register. Rehearsal should initially isolate the complex syncopated figures between the brass and lower reeds using a slow click, gradually working up to performance tempo to ensure absolute rhythmic precision on the unexpected accents. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This standard 17-instrument big band arrangement includes parts for 5 saxophones (Alto 1, Alto 2, Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, piano, guitar, bass, and drum set, spanning a total of 68 pages. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Slightly Off The Ground"? A: This chart is graded as advanced, making it best suited for accomplished collegiate, advanced high school, and professional big bands that possess strong section playing and mature soloists. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of the piece? A: Written by renowned West Coast composer and arranger Tom Kubis, the piece is rooted in the contemporary big band jazz tradition, combining swinging modern jazz harmonies with the bright, high-energy aesthetic of studio jazz orchestras. Q: What makes this Tom Kubis arrangement unique? A: Its uniqueness lies in Kubis's trademark buoyant rhythmic motifs, brilliant saxophone soli writing, and sophisticated harmonic twists that keep both the performers and the audience engaged from start to finish. Q: What is the recommended performance tempo and duration? A: The arrangement is designed to be performed at a bright, driving medium-up swing tempo (approx. quarter note = 180-192 BPM), resulting in a performance duration of roughly 4 to 5 minutes depending on solo lengths.