Hickory & Twine: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Baylock writes with the sophisticated harmonic vocabulary and rhythmic precision of someone who has spent decades arranging for and conducting world-class ensembles. The driving shuffle swing, layered harmonic texture, and carefully placed solos for alto, trombone, and piano make this both immediately rewarding to play and deeply rewarding to conduct. This is the kind of power chart that energizes a festival performance while respecting the musicianship of your ensemble.

A propulsive, confident groove from the first measure. The shuffle swing has momentum and swagger, while the harmonic writing creates a sophisticated backdrop that feels both modern and rooted in real jazz tradition. The solos breathe with the ease of players who know their bandmates.

Jazz ensemble directors leading Grade 4 ensembles who want ambitious, professionally crafted material that challenges without overwhelming. This chart works for high school groups capable of executing sophisticated swing feels and for college ensembles looking for fresh contemporary writing that respects their ability.

• Establish the shuffle feel early in rehearsals by locking the rhythm section together; the groove carries the entire chart, and precision here will lift everything else
• Give your soloists space to own their moments, but work the ensemble background figures around them to create responsive dialogue rather than accompanying lines
• Manage the lead trumpet range carefully, particularly around the written high D; the optional F gives you flexibility if your lead player isn't there yet, so use it without apology
• Shape the harmonic density throughout the chart; use dynamics and articulation to let the thick voicings breathe rather than letting them stack into a wash

This is essential festival material; the length (6:22) and energy make it a natural centerpiece for a jazz concert or a competition set. Program it alongside other contemporary big band work to showcase your ensemble's command of modern jazz writing, or pair it with a classic swing standard to bracket different eras.

• Executing shuffle swing grooves with precision and feel
• Reading and responding to dense harmonic voicings across the ensemble
• Balancing individual improvisation with collective ensemble responsibility
• Shaping articulation and dynamics to clarify harmonic movement
• Listening and responding as soloists trade phrases with the ensemble