Who Can I Turn To (T.Kubis] (T.Kubis)

Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley’s timeless composition "Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)," introduced in the 1964 Broadway musical *The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd* and subsequently immortalized by vocal icons like Tony Bennett and instrumental giants such as Bill Evans, occupies a revered place in the Great American Songbook. This poignant ballad captures a universal sense of vulnerability and introspection, making it a natural vehicle for jazz interpretation. Over the decades, the tune transitioned from theatrical staple to harmonic playground, prized by jazz artists for its lush chord progression and evocative melodic contour that practically begs for sophisticated reharmonization and expressive ensemble treatment. Master arranger Tom Kubis takes this introspective masterwork and transforms it into a breathtaking showcase for contemporary big band. Moving deftly between tender, exposed ballad textures and soaring, harmonically rich developmental sections, Kubis’s treatment avoids static, predictable scoring. The arrangement opens with an atmospheric introduction that establishes a reflective mood before introducing the primary melody. Kubis utilizes velvety woodwind voicings and warm, muted brass colors to heighten the emotional weight of the changes. As the chart unfolds, it blossoms through clever modulation and dynamic pacing, incorporating signature Kubis devices: lush sax solis that weave dense chromatic lines with effortless grace, subtle background figures that converse with the lead voices, and a masterfully constructed transitional build that leads to a deeply satisfying, emotionally resonant emotional peak. Throughout the 57-page score, the distribution of material rewards every section of the 16-instrument ensemble. The saxophone section enjoys intricate, harmonically advanced soli writing that demands blend, intonation, and stylistic unity. Brass sections must balance aggressive, rich fanfare statements with delicate, whispered accompaniment figures that support the primary melodic statements. Featured solo space allows a lead voice—typically tenor saxophone or flugelhorn—to stretch out over sophisticated changes that stay true to the lyrical essence of Bricusse's original line. The rhythm section functions as an interactive, pulsating heartbeat, requiring a sensitive pianist and bassist who understand rubato-to-tempo transitions and modern jazz harmonic shading. Advanced high school ensembles with strong section leaders, collegiate jazz orchestras, and professional big bands will find this chart an ideal centerpiece for a festival program or formal concert. While the technical demands require refined breath support, precise intonation in the brass, and mature stylistic maturity rather than sheer velocity, the musical payoff is immense. Kubis has crafted an arrangement that honors the profound emotional core of a beloved standard while injecting the vitality, harmonic sophistication, and clever counterpoint that define the pinnacle of modern big band writing. Conductors approaching this Tom Kubis arrangement must prioritize dynamic control, blend, and stylistic flexibility. The tempo should hover around a relaxed, flowing ballad feel, requiring the rhythm section to maintain an elastic yet undeniable sense of forward motion. Avoid rushing the rubato sections at the top; instead, let the melody breathe naturally before settling into the primary groove. Technically, the primary challenge lies in the sophisticated harmonic vocabulary and sustained altissimo or upper-register writing for the brass. Trumpets should practice playing with a warm, rounded tone, utilizing harmon or bucket mutes where indicated to achieve a velvety texture rather than a cutting edge. Saxophones must focus on seamless intonation during dense soli passages, ensuring that inner voices balance the lead alto without masking it. Rehearsal should begin by isolating the dynamic shifts between the quiet, exposed choruses and the massive ensemble swells, ensuring the band transitions smoothly without overblowing. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this big band arrangement? A: The 16-instrument instrumentation includes standard big band scoring: 5 saxophones (Alto 1, Alto 2, Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone), 4 trumpets (with doubling options), 4 trombones, and a full rhythm section comprising piano, bass, and drums, spanning a comprehensive 57-page score and parts set. Q: What is the difficulty level of this chart? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it best suited for collegiate jazz ensembles, top-tier high school bands, and professional big bands capable of handling sophisticated modern harmonies and delicate ballad control. Q: What is the musical style and historical background of the piece? A: It is a jazz ballad treatment of Leslie Bricusse’s 1964 standard from *The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd*, re-envisioned through the contemporary, harmonically rich lens of arranger Tom Kubis. Q: What makes this specific arrangement by Tom Kubis unique? A: Kubis elevates a traditional vocal/instrumental standard by integrating lush saxophone solis, ingenious chord reharmonizations, and dynamic, swelling ensemble passages that avoid predictability and showcase the full expressive palette of a modern big band. Q: What is the recommended performance tempo and duration? A: The piece is performed at a relaxed, expressive ballad tempo with an elastic groove, typically running between 4 to 6 minutes depending on the length of the featured improvised solos and rubato pacing chosen by the conductor.