Stick With It (M.Taylor)

Driving swing energy and sophisticated contemporary arranging define "Stick With It," an exceptional composition and chart by renowned jazz writer Mark Taylor. Written in the tradition of modern mainstream big band jazz, the piece reflects the vibrant, harmonically rich style popularized by contemporary jazz writers who balance hard-driving swing feels with intricate, horn-driven counterpoint. Taylor, widely celebrated for his extensive catalog of accessible yet challenging educational and professional big band charts, infuses this composition with a bright, infectious momentum that captures the listener's attention from the very first downbeat. At a brisk medium-up swing tempo, the arrangement opens with a rhythmic, assertive motif introduced by the horns before expanding into full ensemble textures. The harmonic language utilizes extended and altered dominant chords, giving the piece a sophisticated bite while maintaining a firmly grounded tonal center that invites energetic improvisation. Taylor masterfully distributes the melodic weight across the entire big band; the saxophones enjoy tightly knit, bebop-inflected soli sections, while the brass section interjects with sharp, articulate punch-counterlines. A dynamic shout chorus near the climax showcases the ensemble's collective power, building relentless tension through cascading chromatic lines and syncopated rhythmic figures before resolving into a triumphant final statement. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate jazz bands, and professional community orchestras will find this chart to be an invigorating addition to their repertoire. While the rapid tempo and syncopated figures demand clean articulation and strong sectional cohesion, the payoff is immense. Solo space is provided for improvisers to stretch out over accessible blues or standard chord changes, making it an ideal vehicle for featuring a standout saxophonist or trumpeter. The 48-page complete set provides deeply satisfying material that bridges the gap between classic swing-era excitement and modern compositional depth. Achieving success with "Stick With It" requires rigorous attention to articulation, particularly the crisp execution of short, accented swing eighth notes in the brass and saxophones. The conductor should establish a relentless, forward-moving tempo early on, ensuring the rhythm section maintains a light, buoyant ride cymbal pulse rather than heavy, dragging quarter notes. Watch closely for dynamic contrast; the transition from the roaring shout chorus back to the understated thematic recap requires immediate control to preserve the arrangement's architectural shape. Trumpets should utilize clean, precise doits and falls where indicated without over-blowing, while the rhythm section pianist should comp with sparse, modern voicings that leave room for the horns to breathe. Spend early rehearsals isolating the intricate saxophone soli at a reduced tempo to lock in the articulation and intonation before bringing the ensemble up to performance speed. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this 48-page set? A: The arrangement is scored for a standard 16-instrument big band instrumentation, featuring Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, and a full rhythm section comprising piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Stick With It"? A: This chart is graded as advanced medium-to-advanced, making it best suited for accomplished high school jazz ensembles, collegiate bands, and professional community big bands that are comfortable with brisk tempos and syncopated swing rhythms. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of the piece? A: Composed by Mark Taylor, the piece represents modern contemporary big band jazz, blending traditional swing-era drive with the sophisticated harmonies and angular melodies characteristic of late 20th- and 21st-century writing. Q: What makes Mark Taylor's arrangement unique? A: Taylor's distinct writing style shines through clever distribution of melodic material across all sections, avoiding the trap of merely doubling voices by giving every section crucial counter-melodies and interlocking rhythmic figures that build intense momentum. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo feel of the arrangement? A: The piece is set in a driving 4/4 meter with a brisk medium-up swing feel, and typically runs between 4 to 5 minutes in performance duration depending on the length of the open improvised solos.