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Dear Bandleader:
We look forward to your performance at our daughter's wedding. If you don't
mind, we would like to request a few of our favorite songs. If you could
play these at some point during the reception, we'd be grateful.
Any Keith Jarrett composition from his solo series. Please have it for the
full ensemble and none of the 4/4 songs please. Mahavishnu Orchestra, "Dance
of the Maya," and please have the guitarist play John McLaughlin's solo from
the live performance Nov.16, 1972, at Chrysler Arena. My wife and I were at
that show and we particularly liked it. If you find it too difficult, you
can leave out the feedback.
Any of John Coltrane's duets with Pharaoh Sanders. I understand that their
use of atonality is not everyone's cup of tea, but all our guests love high
register tenor saxes. We thought a little Stravinsky right after the toast
would be nice. We particularly like the "Infernal Dance..." or whatever it
is called, from "The Rite of Spring" (second version of 1932). If you want
to use the sheet music it's OK. We like a tempo of about quarter note = 93
(Ozawa).
Then for the "life candle" lighting ceremony, please play Frank Zappa's "The
Grand Wazoo". If you want to play it in the original key of Bb, that would
be fine, but my cousin Janeene would like to sing the baritone sax solo. You
may have to play that part in another key-she has kind of a high voice.
When my daughter throws the garter, could you play just a little of Varese's
"Ionization"? It's such a cool piece, we think it would go over really well.
Much better than "The Stripper." And for the Bride & Groom's first dance,
please slow things down a bit by doing Barber's "Adagio For Strings". It's
so much better than "We've Only Just Begun" or "The Anniversary Waltz".
When my wife and I join in the first dance, could you please segue to
Thelonius Monk's "Ruby, My Dear". That's in honor of my wife's grandmother
whose name was Ruby. It would mean so much to the family.
Thanks very much for all your help. We'll certainly be happy to recommend
your band to all of our friends. By the way, the gig pays $350 for the
group, and before you leave, please feel free to ask the caterer for a
sandwich and a soda to take with you.