Eugene Brusiloff

Fidgets

Issued in 1966, the enduring popularity of this novelty number for young bands can best be explained by its appealing simplicity and practical flexibility. All that's needed is at least one low instrument to cover the bass part (trombone, baritone, tenor sax, tuba, bass clarinet) and any combination of higher instruments for the treble part. Musically it's a 12-bar blues featuring a staccato walking bass line for low winds punctuated by a rhythmic, repeated-pitch pattern for upper winds. Beginners who can play just two notes can even play along, and the final chorus offers some dramatic options by having the band stand the first time through, then playing it "one more time!" as an encore after applause. Duration 2:00.