Jug Blues & Fat Pickin’ (1986)

Large Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band – 8 min.
Publisher: Lauren Keiser Music Publishing 

[3fl+picc.2ob.2bn.3cl+Ebcl+bcl+cbcl.4sax(2asx+1tsx+barsx). / 4hn.3tpt.3tbn.euph.tba. / 3perc+timp.

Audio (in 2014 Scott Hanna and the University of Texas Wind Symphony performed this uncut original version)

Score (Free Download)

Program Note

Commissioned for the celebration of Tennessee’s “Homecoming ’86,” Jug Blues & Fat Pickin’ was inspired by recordings of the Memphis Jug Band (Beale Street, late 1920’s), and bluegrass banjo pickin’, which becomes “fattened out” by the sound of winds. Notes to the Conductor: The “Blues” should howl, whine, and wail like a harmonica solo, with the same freedom and indulgence one might hear in an unaccompanied Blues improvisation. The tempo fluctuations indicated must be observed, but the rubato should not be confined to these. The entire Blues must have an unmetered, cadenza-like quality. The “Blues” should never drag: the slowed-down sections must have great color and intensity of expression, whether sighing or wailing. The “Pickin'” doesn’t need to be too fast, but has to have the kind of easy-going, self-gratifying, clear-headed virtuosity that characterizes great pickers. The performers should develop confidence in handling the rhythmic exchanges, and then communicate a spirit of good, clean, exuberant fun.