That's A Plenty (B.Myagkov)

"That's A Plenty," a timeless jazz standard originally penned by Lew Pollack in 1914, stands as a vibrant cornerstone of early jazz and Dixieland repertoire. Emerging from the ragtime and early jazz era, it quickly became a staple for its infectious energy and memorable melodic lines, embodying the buoyant spirit of the burgeoning jazz scene in the early 20th century. While many early jazz bands popularized it, the tune gained widespread recognition through recordings by artists such as the New Orleans Rhythm Kings and later, through its enduring presence in traditional jazz and swing ensembles. Its distinctive, driving feel and call-and-response structure have cemented its place as a perennial favorite, celebrated for its historical significance and its capacity to ignite any performance with unbridled joy. Boris Myagkov’s big band arrangement of "That's A Plenty" masterfully reinterprets this classic, infusing it with contemporary big band sensibilities while honoring its Dixieland roots. Set at a brisk, driving medium-up swing tempo in 4/4, the arrangement maintains the original's bright, optimistic mood, primarily in the key of B-flat major. Myagkov's distinctive approach is evident in his sophisticated voicings, which provide lush harmonic textures without sacrificing the tune's inherent clarity and punch. Expect dynamic soli sections that showcase the full power of the saxophone and brass sections, punctuated by crisp, articulate ensemble figures. The arrangement cleverly uses call-and-response motifs, reminiscent of the original's conversational nature, but elevated with modern big band orchestration. The arrangement opens with a spirited ensemble statement, immediately establishing its energetic character. The melody is skillfully passed between the lead trumpet and alto saxophone, ensuring clarity and allowing individual sections to shine. A featured tenor saxophone solo provides an opportunity for improvisation, grounded by a rhythmically engaging background. Following this, a powerful shout chorus builds intensity, culminating in a dynamic full-ensemble finale that is both exhilarating and satisfying. Technical challenges include maintaining precise articulation at the brisk tempo, navigating intricate brass figures, and achieving a cohesive, driving swing feel across all sections. The rewarding aspect lies in the sheer exuberance of the piece and the opportunity for the band to deliver a truly uplifting and historically rich performance. This arrangement is ideally suited for advanced high school, collegiate, community, and professional big bands. Its blend of historical reverence and modern big band technique offers a valuable educational experience for younger ensembles, while providing ample musical depth and challenge for more seasoned groups. The detailed scoring and thoughtful orchestration ensure that a well-rehearsed ensemble will achieve a professional-sounding performance, making it a standout addition to any concert program or jazz festival set. Conductors should emphasize a consistent, driving medium-up swing feel throughout, ensuring the rhythm section provides a solid, propulsive foundation. Articulation is paramount, particularly for the brass section, where crisp, short notes are essential for clarity and punch in the ensemble figures and soli sections. Encourage saxophones to maintain a bright, unified tone, especially during their soli passages. The tenor saxophone solo should be approached with a focus on melodic invention within the swing idiom, supported by a responsive and dynamic rhythm section. Pay close attention to the dynamic contrasts, building intensity towards the shout chorus and the final ensemble hits. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to syncing the intricate rhythmic interplay between sections and ensuring precise cut-offs. No special techniques like plunger mutes or doits are explicitly notated, allowing the ensemble to focus on fundamental big band execution. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard 17-piece big band, including Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trumpet 3, Trumpet 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Trombone 4, Piano, Bass, Drums, and Guitar. It also includes a full conductor score, totaling 38 pages. Q: What is the difficulty level of "That's A Plenty (B.Myagkov)"? A: This arrangement is considered advanced, suitable for high school, collegiate, community, and professional big bands. It requires strong technical proficiency, precise articulation, and a solid understanding of the swing idiom from all sections. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this arrangement? A: This is a big band arrangement of "That's A Plenty," a classic jazz standard composed by Lew Pollack in 1914. It represents the early jazz and Dixieland era, reimagined with modern big band orchestration and a driving medium-up swing feel. Q: What makes Boris Myagkov's arrangement of "That's A Plenty" unique? A: Myagkov's arrangement uniquely blends the historical charm of the original Dixieland tune with sophisticated big band voicings, dynamic soli sections, and a powerful shout chorus. It maintains the tune's infectious energy while providing a fresh, contemporary orchestral treatment. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo of this piece? A: The arrangement is designed for a brisk, driving medium-up swing tempo in 4/4. While exact duration can vary with interpretation, a typical performance would be approximately 3-4 minutes, depending on the length of the improvised tenor saxophone solo.