What's This (B.Johnson)

B. Johnson’s eponymous composition "What's This" occupies a fascinating space in modern big band repertoire, bridging the harmonic sophistication of post-bop with the driving, infectious momentum of classic mid-century swing. Originally conceived as an exploratory modal vehicle, the tune has evolved through various iterations into a staple for ensembles looking to push their collective dynamic control while honoring traditional jazz vocabulary. The piece captures the restless, forward-looking energy of the late-1960s jazz scene, drawing stylistic parallels to the sophisticated horn-writing of the Woody Herman and Thad Jones idioms while maintaining a distinct, contemporary compositional voice. Propelled by a relentless, energetic medium-up swing groove in 4/4 time, "What's This" balances intricate, labyrinthine counterpoint with explosive, blues-drenched release. The arrangement opens with an urgent, angular motif introduced by the saxophones before the full brass section enters with razor-sharp syncopated stabs that immediately establish an atmosphere of high-stakes tension. The mood shifts fluidly between dark, brooding harmonic minor passages and soaring, triumphant major-mode extensions. Throughout the chart, B.Johnson utilizes rich upper-structure extensions and dense, contemporary voicings that give the ensemble a massive, lush sonic footprint without ever muddying the harmonic clarity. B.Johnson’s signature arranging style shines through the meticulous voice-leading and the clever distribution of thematic material across the entire 16-piece instrumentation. Rather than relying on standard tutti scoring, the chart features a brilliant interweaving of a sax soli that demands absolute precision, articulation uniformity, and breath control. The rhythm section is treated as an active conversational partner, with specific comping figures designed to challenge pianists and guitarists to think beyond basic shell voicings. A powerhouse shout chorus near the culmination of the chart serves as the structural peak, building layer upon layer of chromatic tension before resolving into a roaring, high-energy final cadence that leaves audiences breathless. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate jazz orchestras, and professional big bands will find this 36-page chart to be an exceptionally rewarding centerpiece for festival programs or formal concert sets. The melody is shared primarily between the first alto saxophone and lead trumpet, though inner-voice independence is required across the entire five-horn saxophone section (Alto 1, Tenor 2, Alto 3, Tenor 4, Baritone 5) and brass ranks. Open solo sections are provided with changes in stable, accessible keys, allowing developing improvisers to stretch out while giving seasoned soloists enough harmonic room to explore. Ultimately, "What's This" rewards meticulous preparation with a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing performance experience that showcases a modern big band at the height of its powers. Conductors approaching B.Johnson’s "What's This" should establish a rock-solid, driving medium-up swing tempo (suggested around quarter note = 208) right from the downbeat, ensuring the rhythm section maintains a forward-leaning pulse without rushing. A primary technical challenge lies in the execution of the intricate, jagged syncopations found in the ensemble figures; these must be articulated with a crisp, clipped tongue on shortened notes and a heavy, blues-inflected weight on accented downbeats. Brass players should master standard jazz stylistic devices, including controlled falls, doits, and subtle plunger work where indicated, ensuring these effects enhance rather than mask the underlying harmony. During rehearsal, isolate the intricate woodwind soli section and practice it strictly at a slower tempo with a metronome clicking on beats two and four to lock in internal blend and intonation before bringing it up to performance speed. The rhythm section needs dedicated rehearsal time to balance the push-and-pull dynamics of the comping patterns against the horns, ensuring the bass line remains the anchor of the ensemble's collective time feel. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This 36-page big band chart is scored for a standard 16-instrument ensemble, comprising 5 saxophones (Alto 1, Tenor 2, Alto 3, Tenor 4, Baritone 5), standard brass voicing, and a full rhythm section. Q: What is the difficulty level of "What's This"? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it ideal for skilled high school jazz orchestras, collegiate ensembles, and professional big bands equipped to handle complex syncopation and dense harmonic voicings. Q: What is the style and historical context of the piece? A: Written by B. Johnson, the piece operates as a modern jazz standard in the post-bop and contemporary big band tradition, echoing the sophisticated horn-writing styles of the late-1960s jazz era. Q: What makes this specific B.Johnson arrangement unique? A: The chart stands out due to its clever distribution of thematic material, intricate interweaving saxophone soli sections, rich upper-structure chord extensions, and a powerhouse shout chorus designed for maximum dynamic impact. Q: What is the recommended performance tempo and duration? A: The arrangement is designed for a medium-up swing feel at approximately quarter note = 208, with a total performance duration averaging around 5 to 6 minutes depending on solo extensions.