Son Of These Days (T.Kubis)

Tom Kubis has long been celebrated as one of the most inventive and swinging architects of modern big band jazz, and **"Son Of These Days"** stands as a masterclass in his signature compositional style. Emerging from the vibrant West Coast big band tradition that bridges the gap between classic Basie-style swing and sophisticated, contemporary harmonic language, this chart captures the buoyant energy and intricate craftsmanship that define Kubis’s extensive catalog. Written and arranged by Kubis himself, the piece reflects an era where clever counterpoint, crisp dynamic contrast, and relentless forward momentum reign supreme, making it a beloved staple for ensembles seeking to challenge their articulation and stylistic flexibility. A high-energy, driving medium-up swing drives the momentum of "Son Of These Days," establishing an optimistic, bright, and endlessly swinging mood from the downbeat. The harmonic landscape is rich with extended and altered chords, yet it remains intensely melodic, avoiding academic dryness in favor of sheer kinetic joy. Kubis utilizes the full big band palette with masterful orchestration, shifting textures rapidly between tightly knit brass shout choruses, cascading woodwind solis, and sparse, punchy backgrounds that leave ample room for the rhythm section to push the groove. The interplay between the saxes and brass creates a conversational texture that demands absolute precision and rhythmic unity. True to the arranger’s trademark approach, this chart features sparkling woodwind writing—utilizing a doubled configuration that includes soprano saxophone alongside the traditional saxophone section—which lends a bright, contemporary sheen to the ensemble's upper structure. The melodic heavy lifting is shared dynamically across sections, with crisp bebop-inflected lines given to the alto and tenor saxophones before expanding into full-ensemble statements. Solo opportunities allow standout improvisers to stretch out over sophisticated yet driving changes, while the ensemble sections require disciplined control over falls, doits, and dynamic swells. The climax arrives via a quintessential Kubis shout chorus that builds relentlessly in intensity, utilizing clever chromatic voice-leading to surprise the listener before resolving into a high-octane final tag. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional big bands will find "Son Of These Days" an exceptionally rewarding addition to their repertoire. While the technical demands—particularly regarding articulation uniformity, endurance, and swing feel at a brisk tempo—are significant, the chart's logical phrasing and infectious groove make the hard work deeply satisfying in rehearsal. It serves as an ideal festival chart or a show-stopping centerpiece for any advanced concert program, guaranteed to leave audiences energized by its modern yet timeless jazz sensibility. Conductors should approach "Son Of These Days" with a primary focus on ultra-clean articulation and an aggressive, forward-leaning medium-up swing feel. The underlying tempo must remain steady; any tendency to drag during complex ensemble solis will sap the chart of its inherent urgency. Ensure that the rhythm section—especially the drummer and bassist—locks into a crisp, driving ride-cymbal pulse that supports without overplaying. Brass players must execute stylistic markers such as short accents, staccatos, and expressive falls with absolute uniformity, treating them as rhythmic punctuation rather than afterthoughts. The woodwind section should pay careful attention to blend, particularly when the soprano saxophone doubles the lead line, ensuring the timbre complements rather than pierces the saxophone choir. Rehearsals should isolate the intricate transitional interludes before running long stretches, ensuring the band transitions smoothly between aggressive shouting sections and light, swinging background figures. Q: What instruments and specific parts are included in this arrangement? A: This chart is scored for a standard 17-piece big band instrumentation, featuring 5 saxophones (Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and a standard 4-piece rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drums), spanning a comprehensive 59 pages of total score and parts. Q: What is the difficulty level of this Tom Kubis arrangement? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it best suited for collegiate, advanced high school, community, and professional big bands that possess strong technical facility, endurance, and solid command of swing articulation. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "Son Of These Days"? A: Composed and arranged by Tom Kubis, the piece belongs to the contemporary West Coast big band tradition, blending traditional driving swing foundations with modern, sophisticated harmonies and intricate, clever counterpoint. Q: What makes this particular arrangement unique? A: Its distinctiveness lies in Kubis's trademark writing style, which features sparkling soprano saxophone integration, intricate harmonic voice-leading, dynamic sectional interplay, and a quintessential high-energy shout chorus that challenges the band's precision. Q: What is the expected performance duration and tempo feel of the piece? A: The arrangement is built around a driving, high-energy medium-up swing tempo (approximately 4th-beat quarter note or half-time feels where applicable) and typically runs around 4 to 5 minutes in duration, depending on the length of the open improvised solos.