Grade Level - 4

The working title for "Rubaswing" was "Rubrick Swing" because the tune was written during a teacher inservice describing grading techniques using rubricks. The tune was inspired by an Eddie Daniels tune called "Soft Shoe for Thad," referring the Thad Jones, one of the most innovative jazz band writers and arrangers. Although the feel is easy and relaxed, the chord progression is very complex with many changes on each note of the melody. The solo changes are also difficult to navigate, employing a series of unrelated ii-V's, then eventually resolving to the key of A major, not the usual big band key. I think this tune is quite interesting and would be a great change of pace for any big band concert.