Too Soon Tomorrow (B.Curnow)

"Too Soon Tomorrow," an original composition by the esteemed Bob Curnow, stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and expressive depth possible within the jazz ballad tradition. While not a historical jazz standard in the vein of compositions from the Great American Songbook, Curnow's piece has achieved a similar stature within the contemporary big band repertoire, particularly through his own definitive arrangement. Curnow, a veteran trombonist, arranger, and producer for the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the 1960s and 70s, brings a rich lineage of big band artistry to his compositions. His work is often characterized by a blend of traditional big band voicings and a modern harmonic sensibility, reflecting influences from his Kenton days and his later explorations into the music of contemporary artists like Pat Metheny. This piece, while distinct from his well-known Metheny arrangements, showcases his profound understanding of melodic development and orchestral color. This arrangement of "Too Soon Tomorrow" unfolds as a slow, evocative ballad, typically performed in a rubato or very slow, expressive tempo, allowing ample space for lyrical phrasing and emotional resonance. The mood is pensive and beautiful, evoking a sense of introspection and longing. Curnow masterfully employs rich, extended harmonies and intricate counterpoint, creating a lush soundscape that is both sophisticated and deeply moving. The piece often features a melancholic yet hopeful melodic line, passed between various sections, building dynamic and emotional intensity through carefully crafted crescendos and diminuendos. Its inherent beauty lies in its ability to draw the listener into a contemplative state, making it an ideal selection for concerts seeking to showcase the expressive capabilities of a jazz ensemble. B. Curnow's arranging signature is evident throughout this work. He is renowned for his ability to write for the big band with both power and sensitivity, often featuring specific soloists within a meticulously orchestrated texture. In "Too Soon Tomorrow," the arrangement prominently features a tenor saxophone and flugelhorn, often in a dialogue that highlights their lyrical qualities. The melody is initially presented by one of these voices, then developed through various soli sections where the full saxophone or brass sections contribute to the melodic and harmonic tapestry. Curnow's voicings are full and resonant, utilizing the entire range of the big band to create a rich, enveloping sound. The technical challenges, while present, are primarily focused on breath control, sustained tone, and precise intonation, particularly in the slow tempo and exposed melodic lines. The reward for performers is the opportunity to engage deeply with a truly beautiful piece of music, fostering ensemble blend and individual expressive playing. This arrangement is ideally suited for advanced high school, collegiate, community, and professional big bands. Its demands on musicality, blend, and intonation make it an excellent vehicle for developing expressive playing and ensemble cohesion. While the technical demands are not overtly virtuosic in terms of speed, the maturity required for its slow, sustained passages and nuanced dynamic control necessitates a skilled and sensitive ensemble. The 19-instrument scoring (5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and 4 rhythm) provides a full, expansive sound, allowing for the rich harmonic textures that are a hallmark of Curnow's writing. Performing "Too Soon Tomorrow" offers a band the chance to explore the profound emotional depth of contemporary big band balladry. Conductors should emphasize a deeply expressive, rubato approach to "Too Soon Tomorrow," allowing soloists and sections to shape phrases with natural ebb and flow rather than adhering strictly to a metronomic pulse. The primary technical challenges involve maintaining excellent intonation and sustained tone, especially in the exposed melodic lines and dense harmonic voicings. Encourage musicians to listen across sections for blend and balance, particularly during the intricate counterpoint. The featured tenor saxophone and flugelhorn soloists should be encouraged to play with maximum lyricism and warmth, utilizing vibrato and dynamic shading to convey the piece's melancholic mood. Brass players should focus on soft, controlled entrances and releases, avoiding harsh attacks. The rhythm section should provide a sensitive and supportive foundation, with the pianist and guitarist focusing on voicing chords thoughtfully to complement the ensemble. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to shaping long phrases, achieving seamless transitions between sections, and refining dynamic contrasts to fully realize the emotional arc of this beautiful ballad. **Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement?** A: This arrangement is scored for a full big band with 19 instruments, including Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1-4, Trombone 1-4, Piano, Bass, Guitar, and Drums. The conductor score is also included. **Q: What is the difficulty level of "Too Soon Tomorrow (B.Curnow)"?** A: This arrangement is considered advanced, suitable for collegiate, community, and professional big bands. Its difficulty stems from the need for mature musicality, precise intonation, and expressive phrasing in a slow, ballad tempo. **Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece?** A: "Too Soon Tomorrow" is an original jazz ballad composed by Bob Curnow. It embodies a contemporary big band ballad style, showcasing rich harmonies and lyrical melodic lines, reflecting Curnow's background with the Stan Kenton Orchestra and his modern arranging sensibilities. **Q: What makes this arrangement unique or distinctive?** A: Bob Curnow's arrangement is distinguished by its lush, extended harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and prominent features for tenor saxophone and flugelhorn. It offers a deeply emotional and sophisticated musical experience, characteristic of Curnow's masterful orchestration. **Q: What is the typical performance duration or tempo for this piece?** A: As a slow, expressive ballad, "Too Soon Tomorrow" is typically performed with a rubato feel, allowing for flexibility in tempo. Its duration will vary based on interpretation but generally falls within the 5-7 minute range.