Composer
John Yao
Arranger
Category
Big Band
Level
Advanced
Style
Fast Swing
Ranges
Duration
10:07
Description
Contemporary in it's approach to form and harmony, "Flip-Flop" is a high-energy, freewheeling, up-tempo swing chart by John Yao, whose eyes and ears are unalterably focused on the future of big band jazz. Devoid of any key signature and using loose tonal centers, the work's harmonic style is atonal in nature, featuring jagged lines and chords not defined by conventional chord symbols. This harmonically open environment provides space for angular unison lines and ultimate freedom for the soloists and rhythm section to take the music whenever they'd like to go. The chart concludes with a heated exchange between the band and drums that builds up to big, dense ensemble chords with solo drum fills and mashed-up recap of the opening melodic material. "Flip-Flop" is a high-octane swinger with tight ensemble textures and loose, open solo structures allowing for a unique performance every time.
Instrumentation
Standard Big Band (5/4/4/3) with NO guitar part.