This week: Saxations

This week's assignment involves writing several new arrangements for the San Diego-based Saxations. Since 2013 I've arranged over 20 charts for this funky and entertaining band fronted by a fine saxophone foursome.

This present batch of tunes includes the Stones' Brown Sugar, Boyz II Men's I'll Make Love to You, Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk, and a medley of Jackson 5 tunes (as heard on American Idol). I believe they're presently developing repertoire for a Motown-themed show in the fall.

I love how on-the-ball these musicians are from a professional standpoint: they have a great musical concept; have built an excellent A-list team of rhythm section players, recording engineers and producers, arrangers, and so forth; and they are thoughtful about preparing for their big events. There's nothing rushed and impulsive in this project.

Here's a link to their first (self-titled) album. I arranged five of the ten tracks: Love Never Felt So Good, Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing, Natural Woman, Blurred Lines, and Play it Like You Mean It.

Recent: UMD Commission

I just completed Metroliner, an original work for Chris Vadala and his University of Maryland Jazz Ensemble. They'll rehearse and premier it in the upcoming Fall semester.

It's a tenor feature built on a hemiola-like melody-rhythm. The influence Bob Mintzer's writing comes through a bit in this piece.

By the way, Metroliner will be published in early 2016. As for right now, UMD Jazz gets dibs on it.

Notes

This was what I refer to as a blank score commission in which my assignment was write whatever you please. I was told that there'd be a strong rhythm section and tenor soloist, so that certainly gave me some guidance. And I've heard the band before—they're excellent—so I knew the ensemble would be able to handle whatever I throw their way.

Anyhow, here are the score and Finale playback file if you'd like to check them out.

DOWNLOAD SCORE

DOWNLOAD MP3

Listen here:

Jerry Lewis does Basie's "Cute"

This isn't any sort of newsy announcement, but worth sharing nonetheless.

Classic comic actor Jerry Lewis mimes Neal Hefti's Cute, one of the great cuts from the Count Basie Orchestra. There is information suggesting that this is from the movie Cinderfella, but I don't know for sure.

Enjoy!

Arranger for Rent

When I'm not teaching, performing, or composing I do a lot of arranging for-hire. I've done everything from vocalist-with-big-band charts to half-time music for Big 10 collegiate marching bands.

Read more about how I can help you bring your musical idea to life on my new "Arranger" page.