That's A Plenty (Lew Pollack)

Composed by Lew Pollack in 1914, "That’s A Plenty" stands as one of the most durable and infectious novelty ragtime compositions to successfully cross over into the permanent canon of traditional jazz and swing repertoire. Originally published as a piano rag, its irresistible chromatic lines and spirited march-like structure quickly caught the attention of early jazz pioneers during the Dixieland and swing eras. Over the decades, it transitioned from a ragtime staple into a high-octane vehicle for big bands, immortalized by legendary ensembles seeking to ignite a crowd with unbridled theatricality and driving momentum. Brimming with high-octane energy and a relentless driving two-feel that transitions seamlessly into a blistering four-beat swing, this chart captures the joyous, raucous spirit of classic early jazz filtered through a robust big band lens. The musical character is celebratory, exuberant, and demanding of agile articulation, evoking the smoky, high-energy atmosphere of a 1920s dance hall colliding with the powerhouse precision of a mid-century swing orchestra. The mood shifts playfully between cheeky, syncopated comedic tension and roaring, full-ensemble triumph. Lew Pollack’s self-arrangement approaches the material with a masterclass in dynamic contrast, balancing transparent, section-driven counterpoint with thick, harmonically rich shout choruses. Rather than relying on simple period mimicry, Pollack injects sophisticated swing-era voicings, utilizing clever chromatic passing tones and crisp brass stabs that elevate the playful melody. The arrangement features sparkling woodwind soli sections that weave intricate lines underneath punchy brass counter-melodies, maintaining a relentless forward momentum through clever modulation and rhythmic displacement. Carried primarily by the trumpet and reed sections, the melody is peppered with strategic sectional trading and dazzling featured solo spaces designed to highlight a nimble clarinet, trumpet, or trombone. Technical challenges lie primarily in maintaining crystal-clear articulation at a brisk tempo, navigating rapid chromatic shifts, and balancing the dense ensemble textures without obscuring the thematic material. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional community big bands will find this chart exceptionally rewarding; it offers a rigorous technical workout that guarantees an unforgettable audience response when delivered with high energy and precision. Executing "That’s A Plenty" successfully requires meticulous attention to articulation, stylistic flexibility, and stamina. Conductor and band should establish a rock-solid, infectious tempo right from the downbeat, avoiding the common trap of rushing the fast passages. The rhythm section must anchor the groove with a crisp, driving ride cymbal pattern and a buoyant bass line that bridges ragtime two-feel with straight-ahead swing. Brass players should make liberal use of stylistic devices such as plunger mutes, falls, doits, and smears where indicated to capture the authentic, vocal-like inflections inherent to the style. Rehearsal time should be heavily invested in sectional balance during the dense counterpoint passages; ensure the inner voices of the saxophones and trombones do not bury the primary thematic statements. Clean, unified tongue-stops and precise short notes are vital for making the syncopated figures pop with the necessary comedic and rhythmic punch. Q: What instrumentation and parts are included in this big band arrangement? A: The package contains a complete 17-instrument big band instrumentation, including two alto saxophones, two tenor saxophones, one baritone saxophone, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, guitar, bass, and drums, spanning a comprehensive 45-page score and part set. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced-intermediate to advanced, primarily due to the rapid tempo, intricate chromatic fingerings, and the stamina required for the brass and reed sections. Q: What is the historical style and background of this piece? A: Originally written by Lew Pollack in 1914 as a ragtime composition, this arrangement reinterprets the classic tune through a high-energy jazz standard and big band lens, capturing the spirit of early traditional jazz meets swing-era orchestration. Q: What makes this specific arrangement by Lew Pollack unique? A: It is unique because it is arranged by the original composer himself, blending authentic ragtime melodic hooks with sophisticated big band shout choruses, clever chromatic voicings, and dynamic sectional interplay not found in standard stock charts. Q: What is the recommended performance tempo and duration for this arrangement? A: The chart is designed to be performed at a brisk, lively tempo (typically around 160–180 BPM depending on the band's technical facility), resulting in a performance duration of approximately 3 to 4 minutes.