Jazz arranging · Contemporary & Hybrid Jazz
TomKubis
b. 1953 arranger · composer · orchestrator
Kubis's arranging style combines big band tradition with contemporary approaches, featuring strong melodies, exciting rhythms, and…
- Predominant era
- Contemporary & Hybrid Jazz
- Lifespan
- b. 1953
- Signature
- iridescent color
Bio · 32 words
Tom Kubis was born in California and became an active saxophonist, composer, and arranger in Los Angeles. He studied at North Texas State University and established himself in L.A.'s competitive music scene.
01
Musical style
Sound DNA
Five shared dimensions make the arranger’s musical priorities visible at a glance.
Iridescent
Instrumental color leads the design.
Compact
Ideas arrive in tightly packed frames.
Layered
Registers work as distinct layers.
Ornate
Dense detail rewards close listening.
Elastic
The rhythmic feel expands and contracts.
02
Orchestration
Technique deck
Select a card to spotlight a device drawn from this arranger’s orchestral language.
03
Music first
Scores & orchestras
Switch recordings to compare how this arranger’s musical priorities shape each orchestral profile.
Live at the Moonlight · 1995
Night Song
Kubis's arrangements for his own big band showcase his approach to contemporary big band writing.
Listen forNotice how color shapes the orchestral profile.
Find listening example on YouTubeProfile derived from the arranger’s documented style and recording notes; exact instrumentation is not asserted.
Slightly Off the Ground · 2000
Slightly Off the Ground
Kubis's arrangements here show continued development and refinement.
Listen forNotice how color shapes the orchestral profile.
Find listening example on YouTubeProfile derived from the arranger’s documented style and recording notes; exact instrumentation is not asserted.
Play Time · 2010
Blue Skies Ahead
Kubis's later arrangements demonstrate sustained quality and continued evolution.
Listen forNotice how color shapes the orchestral profile.
Find listening example on YouTubeProfile derived from the arranger’s documented style and recording notes; exact instrumentation is not asserted.
04
Start here
Three essential albums
One line each—enough context to choose the next listen.
- 01 1995 Live at the MoonlightTom Kubis Big Band Kubis's arrangements for his own big band showcase his approach to contemporary big band writing.
- 02 2000 Slightly Off the GroundTom Kubis Kubis's arrangements here show continued development and refinement.
- 03 2010 Play TimeTom Kubis Big Band Kubis's later arrangements demonstrate sustained quality and continued evolution.