This Christmas (J.Berry)

Donny Hathaway’s iconic 1970 recording of "This Christmas," co-written with Nadine McKinnor, stands as one of the most enduring and soulful holiday contributions to the modern canon. Capturing the warm, orchestral-infused R&B and soul-jazz crossover style of early-1970s Capitol Records productions, Hathaway's original track transformed seasonal music by infusing it with authentic gospel inflections, a driving groove, and sophisticated urban harmony. Over the decades, it has evolved from a contemporary soul classic into an absolute staple of the jazz and holiday repertoire, frequently reinterpreted by artists seeking to blend traditional festive joy with a rich, groove-oriented aesthetic. John Berry’s masterwork big band adaptation translates Hathaway's vocal tour-de-force into an instrumental powerhouse, maintaining an infectious, mid-tempo funk-swing groove that immediately commands attention. Propelled by a crisp, driving rhythm section feel rather than a traditional straight-ahead swing, the chart radiates a joyful, uplifting energy while retaining sophisticated jazz harmony. Berry utilizes lush, extended chord voicings in the brass and saxes that mirror the rich vocal arrangements of the original recording, creating a warm, enveloping sonic texture that evokes both holiday nostalgia and contemporary urban sophistication. The arrangement skillfully distributes melodic responsibilities across the entire ensemble, avoiding a monotonous texture by alternating between punchy, unison horn lines and lush, full-ensemble shout choruses. The saxophones are treated to tight, intricate soli sections that demand clean articulation and a unified section concept, while the brass section interjects with bright, articulate stabs and sweeping glissandos. Featured solo space allows a capable soloist—ideally on tenor saxophone or trumpet—to stretch out over accessible, cyclical changes that naturally build in intensity, setting up a roaring, high-energy final chorus that drives the chart to a dynamic conclusion. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional community big bands will find this chart to be an ideal centerpiece for winter concerts and holiday jazz programs. While the technical demands require solid section independence, clean rhythmic execution of syncopated funk-gospel figures, and a mature sense of groove, the payoff is immense. It offers audiences a familiar, beloved melody delivered through a sophisticated, modern big band lens, making it a rewarding challenge for developing musicians and an absolute crowd-pleaser in any formal concert hall or club setting. The primary technical challenge in John Berry’s arrangement of "This Christmas" lies in maintaining an authentic, pocket-driven funk-swing groove without letting the rhythm section drag or the horns rush syncopated figures. Conductor and rhythm section players must lock in tightly, ensuring that sixteenth-note subdivisions remain crisp and unhurried. Brass players should pay close attention to dynamic markings during the dense harmonic passages; balance is critical so that the inner voicings do not obscure the lead trumpet or melody-carrying sections. Utilize controlled, warm vibrato on slower sustained chords, but switch to a dry, punchy articulation for the rhythmic background punches. When executing the written or improvised solos, encourage the soloist to reference the vocal phrasing of the Donny Hathaway original rather than relying strictly on standard bebop clichés. Rehearsals should initially isolate the rhythm section to cement the foundational groove before layering in the saxes and brass by section. Pay meticulous attention to articulation markings—accents and staccatos must be uniform across the entire ensemble to achieve the characteristic punchy soul-jazz aesthetic. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this big band arrangement? A: The complete 18-instrument instrumentation features Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, 4 Trumpet parts, 4 Trombone parts, and a full rhythm section comprising piano, guitar, bass, and drum set, backed by a comprehensive 48-page conductor score. Q: What is the difficulty level of this chart? A: This arrangement is rated as medium-advanced (Grade 4), making it well-suited for proficient high school jazz ensembles, university bands, and professional community big bands that are comfortable with syncopated modern grooves. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece? A: Based on Donny Hathaway’s legendary 1970 R&B-soul holiday classic, this arrangement blends traditional festive melodies with a sophisticated, groove-heavy contemporary jazz big band aesthetic. Q: What makes John Berry’s arrangement unique compared to other holiday charts? A: Berry successfully captures the gospel-infused vocal warmth of Hathaway's original recording through lush extended harmonies, intricate horn solis, and a driving rhythm section feel that elevates it far beyond a standard holiday medley. Q: What is the performance tempo and duration of the arrangement? A: The chart is set at a bright, medium-tempo funk-swing groove (approximately quarter note = 116–120 BPM) and typically runs around 3 to 4 minutes in performance duration, depending on improvised solo extensions.