Survival Skills (M.Taylor)

Mark Taylor’s contemporary original composition "Survival Skills" stands as a masterclass in modern big band writing, capturing the dynamic interplay and sophisticated harmonic language characteristic of late-20th and 21st-century jazz composition. Written by a titan of educational and professional big band arranging, this chart bridges the gap between accessible contemporary jazz-funk or driving swing grooves and advanced compositional rigor. While not an artifact of the 1930s or 40s swing era, "Survival Skills" represents the vital, evolving lineage of modern jazz ensemble literature championed by leading writer-educators, making it a staple for bands looking to stretch their contemporary stylistic range. Driven by an infectious, high-energy groove (set in a solid medium-up tempo with an assertive rhythmic pulse), the piece immediately establishes a tense, urgent mood that evokes the hustle and grit of urban life. The harmonic landscape is rich with extended and altered dominants, modal shifts, and tight chromatic voice-leading that gives the brass and saxophones a thick, contemporary bite. Mark Taylor’s signature arranging style shines through the meticulous balance between dense, modern harmonic block-voicing and transparent, rhythmically unified backgrounds. The tension built in the verse structures releases into soaring, angular melody lines traded across the woodwind and brass sections. The melody is primarily carried by the saxophones and trumpets, often doubling in tight unison or octave spreads to project through the thick rhythm section accompaniment. Solo opportunities are carved out effectively within the form, allowing standout improvisers in the saxophone or brass sections to stretch over modern, accessible changes. Technical challenges center primarily on precision articulation, syncopated rhythm reading, and maintaining a steady, driving pocket against asymmetrical figures. The climax arrives in a tour-de-force shout chorus that demands stamina and dynamic control, utilizing traditional big band build-up techniques infused with modern harmonic twists that make every section feel vital and exposed. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional community big bands will find "Survival Skills" an exceptionally rewarding addition to their repertoire. The chart pushes developing ensembles to master contemporary phrasing and complex syncopation without relying on impossibly fast tempos, while offering elite groups enough harmonic and stylistic depth to satisfy discerning audiences. It serves as an ideal festival chart or centerpiece for any modern jazz concert program. Conductors approaching "Survival Skills" should first establish a rock-solid, driving rhythmic foundation between the drum set and bass, as the chart's success hinges entirely on its relentless forward momentum. The primary technical challenge lies in the execution of crisp, synchronized syncopated figures shared between the brass and saxophones; ensemble rehearsals should isolate these hits to ensure uniform articulation (utilizing standard jazz articulation rules: accented dits and shortened dats). The tempo must remain disciplined—do not rush the peaks. Pay careful attention to dynamic markings, particularly during the transitions into the shout chorus, where the band must start at a controlled mezzo-forte to allow room for a natural, explosive crescendo. Trumpets should approach high register passages with a focused, brassy tone rather than forced volume, and the rhythm section should treat the comping figures with a sparse, interactive modern jazz sensibility. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: The complete 61-page publication includes a full conductor score and individual parts for a standard 19-instrument big band lineup: 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, baritone saxophone, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, drums, and auxiliary percussion. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced (Level 4–5), making it best suited for accomplished high school jazz ensembles, university bands, and professional community big bands with strong section players and confident soloists. Q: What is the musical style and background of "Survival Skills"? A: Composed by Mark Taylor, "Survival Skills" is a contemporary jazz composition rooted in a driving, modern groove style that emphasizes sharp syncopation, sophisticated modal harmony, and the energy of late-20th-century big band writing. Q: What makes this Mark Taylor arrangement unique? A: The arrangement stands out for its clever integration of dense, modern harmonic voicings with transparent, high-energy rhythmic backgrounds that give every section—from the baritone sax to the bass trombone—meaningful, challenging material. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo feel of the piece? A: While performance time can vary slightly based on the number of improvised choruses taken, the piece is designed to run approximately 4 to 5 minutes at an assertive, driving medium-up tempo.