Use Both Hands (T.Ferguson)

Brimming with sophisticated harmonic colors and driving rhythmic momentum, "Use Both Hands" stands as a brilliant contemporary big band showcase that captures the high-energy vitality of modern large ensemble writing. Originally conceived and brought to life by composer and arranger T. Ferguson, this composition bridges the gap between post-bop complexity and accessible big band accessibility, making it a stellar entry in the contemporary jazz repertoire. The work draws heavily upon the rich tradition of driving swing and intricate compositional counterpoint, evoking the sophisticated energy found in the libraries of contemporary studio jazz orchestras while retaining a distinct, modern compositional voice. Driven by an infectious, high-octane medium-up swing groove, the piece immediately establishes a bold and commanding presence in the key center. The musical mood is optimistic, urgent, and fiercely engaging, moving seamlessly between punchy ensemble hits and flowing, linear melodic trajectories. Ferguson employs rich, extended harmonies—frequently utilizing upper-structure triads, fourth-voicing clusters, and chromatic inner-voice movement—to give the brass and saxophone sections a lush, contemporary bite. The arrangement features a tightly-knit sax soli that showcases intricate bebop-inflected lines, alongside a soaring, dynamic shout chorus that builds inexorably in volume and tension before resolving into a triumphant final thematic statement. Throughout the charts, melodic duties are democratically distributed across the entire ensemble. The woodwinds carry the initial head with agile unison and harmonized passages, while the brass section interjects with crisp, articulate stabs and sweeping glissandos. Open solo sections provide ample space for featured improvisers—typically tailored for tenor saxophone and trumpet—backed by a rhythm section part that demands a robust, interactive approach from the piano, bass, and drums. Technically, the arrangement requires precision in articulation, excellent section blending, and high-level reading skills, particularly due to shifting syncopations and complex rhythmic unisons between the horns and the rhythm section. Advanced high school ensembles with strong section leaders, as well as collegiate and professional big bands, will find this chart to be an exceptionally rewarding centerpiece for festival performance or concert programming. The meticulous 98-page package, complete with a comprehensive conductor score and all 17 individual instrumental parts, provides everything required to achieve a professional, polished interpretation. Audiences and musicians alike will appreciate the clever motivic development and relentless rhythmic drive that defines Ferguson's signature writing style. Navigating "Use Both Hands" successfully requires precision, stamina, and a deep understanding of modern big band articulation. The tempo should remain locked and driving; avoid rushing the syncopated figures in the brass. Conductors should pay close attention to the dynamic contrast between the understated background figures and the roaring shout choruses. Technically, the saxophone section must execute fast, scalar passages with light, modern articulation, avoiding heavy tongue accents unless specifically marked. Brass players should utilize controlled, clean attacks on high register entries and employ subtle doits and falls only where indicated to maintain stylistic integrity. The rhythm section is the engine of this chart: the drummer should drive the ensemble with a crisp ride cymbal pattern and sharp kicks on anticipated beats, while the bassist lays down a walking line that locks tightly with the piano's comping rhythms. Rehearsal should begin by isolating the complex rhythmic unisons between the lower horns and the rhythm section before integrating full ensemble dynamics. Q: What specific instruments and parts are included in this package? A: The arrangement is scored for a standard 17-instrument big band instrumentation, which includes Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, guitar, bass, and drums, supported by a full conductor score across 98 pages. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This piece is classified as advanced, making it ideal for skilled high school jazz ensembles, collegiate bands, and professional or community big bands looking for a technical and stylistic challenge. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of the piece? A: Composed and arranged by T. Ferguson, the piece is a contemporary jazz standard that blends post-bop harmonic sophistication with the high-energy drive of modern big band writing. Q: What makes this particular arrangement unique? A: It features Ferguson’s signature use of extended upper-structure harmonies, intricate saxophone soli sections, and a meticulously crafted shout chorus that demands tight ensemble interplay and modern articulation. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo feel of the arrangement? A: The piece is built around an energetic, high-octane medium-up swing feel that demands steady timekeeping, with a duration typically spanning around 5 to 6 minutes depending on the length of the open improvised solos.