Jazz Saxophone Quartets
are a passions of mine! I
use nontraditional instrumentation in some of my pieces.
Instrumentation is chosen for the best timbre and voicing
possibilities. All of my quartets were based on the compositional
style of Mike Mower and his group called Itchy
Fingers.
Chicken
Shack = Alto, Tenor
1, Tenor 2, Baritone (George Clinton Funky)
Hilo
Haddy = Alto, Tenor
1, Tenor 2, Baritone (Fast Island Feel) The score showcases the
melody. Hilo
Haddy MP3
Old
Salem = Soprano,
Alto, Tenor, Baritone (Slow & Moody)
Jazz Nonet
is a form which really captivates me. I wish more people would
compose nonets since there is no other sound like it.
Haleakala
(House of the Sun) =
Fast rhythm changes in nonet style. The score and sound file are
from the last time through the AABA form. Haleakala
MP3
Studio
Orchestra is one of the
most intense groups to negotiate. Not only do you have to deal
with the Big Band, but you must deal with an orchestra too. It is
very difficult to balance one ensemble with the other. Dave Hansen
really pointed me in the right direction through all of his
orchestral experience.
City
of Refuge MP3 = This
piece does not have an example of the score, just a brief MP3, but
it is worth a listen.
Big
Band is an interesting
animal. I studied with Dave Hansen and a little with Tony Klatka.
Hansen composes for Kendor and has some very difficult pieces.
Klatka played on the Woody Herman band and was the arranger for
La Fiesta, and composed Blues for Poland. This is
one of my examples of taming this bear.
Our
Love Is Here To Stay
= A Gershwin favorite, this is a big band arrangement in the Count
Basie style with a featured clarinet soloist. Both the score and
sound file are from the shout chorus. Our
Love Is Here To Stay MP3
Small Chamber
Jazz arrangements are
always challenging to find a new twist to a standard. I have
taken my nemesis and made it harder.
Giant
Steps MP3 = Trumpet,
Tenor Sax & Rhythm Section. There is no lead sheet for this
arrangement, just the sound file.