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Compositions ANd arrangements

Selected works

Arrangements Published through ArrangeMe (2016–2024)

Over 40 published arrangements covering jazz standards, holiday classics, and original compositions, performed by ensembles nationwide. Notable arrangements include:

  • “Moon River” – Described by notable composer/arranger Eric Richards as a "tone poem," this arrangement serves as a beautiful tenor saxophone feature, supported by muted brass and woodwind doubles that create a lush, orchestral texture. It captures the essence of Henry Mancini's classic while adding an atmospheric and dreamy quality, blending jazz and orchestral elements seamlessly. This evocative interpretation has become one of my most requested arrangements, appealing to both jazz aficionados and broader audiences.

  • “The Pink Panther” – This arrangement offers a fresh and unexpected take on Mancini's classic theme, setting it to a driving rock beat with the melody carried by woodwind doubles. The piece journeys through several extended, contrasting improvisation sections, allowing soloists to explore diverse styles, while showcasing intricate technical ensemble work. As the arrangement progresses, it finally hints at the original, iconic vibe of the theme before coming to an exciting and unexpected close.

  • “I Wish” – Playing on the theme of Stevie Wonder’s mischievous youth, this arrangement features demanding chromatic interplay between sections after the initial vocal chorus. The voice returns for verse two, leading into an extended tenor saxophone cadenza that pays homage to Stevie Wonder's use of synthesizers by incorporating a pedal board and electronic effects. As the ensemble reenters, the tenor saxophone and vocalist share improvised lines, building in intensity to a dramatic and exciting ending. This arrangement captures the playful spirit of the original while showcasing advanced musicianship and creativity.

  • “For Once in My Life” – Written in the swinging style of Sinatra's legendary arrangers Nelson Riddle and Billy May, this arrangement features a male vocalist backed by a dynamic big band. The chart includes extended improvisational sections for Trumpet 2 and Tenor Sax 1, allowing for expressive solos reminiscent of the golden era of swing. The band builds to a thrilling shout chorus before the vocalist returns to bring the piece to an exciting and powerful close.

  • “Windows” – Commissioned by the Whitney Center Jazz Orchestra following the passing of legendary jazz pianist Chick Corea, this arrangement offers a tribute that honors Corea's innovative spirit. It features mixed meter, a planed reharmonization of the melody, and ample space for improvisation, with extended solos for guitar and Tenor Sax 1. This arrangement captures the essence of Corea's original work while infusing it with fresh, contemporary elements that challenge and engage the ensemble.

  • “Baby Elephant Walk” – Another chart written for the tribute to Henry Mancini, this Ellington-style swinger features the bass as a solo instrument. The saxophones introduce the opening statement, followed by energetic full ensemble shout sections. After the improvised bass solo, the bari sax, piano, and bass trombone join in for a low-range bebop soli. The arrangement builds to an exciting shout chorus before closing with one last melodic statement by the bass.

Original Pieces for "Christmas on Broadway" with the Billings Symphony Orchestra (2023)

Arranged and composed 11 pieces specifically for the "Christmas on Broadway" concert, blending jazz, swing, and orchestral elements to create a festive and unique holiday experience. The pieces were performed by the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective, plus a full string section and featured vocalists. Notable arrangements include:

  • “Overture for Christmas on Broadway” – An original overture that opens the concert with an exciting blend of classic holiday themes, weaving in jazz harmonies and orchestral flourishes. It sets the tone for the entire show with a grand, celebratory introduction.

  • “Happy Holiday” – The vocal opener for the show, featuring an extended introduction with dissonant string chords and brass that create a bell-like effect. It transitions into an energetic swing chart, with a "Sing, Sing, Sing" style section that allows the drummer and percussionist to trade phrases on floor toms, leading to a dramatic close.

  • “Mele Kalikimaka” – An homage to the composition style of Carl Stalling, this arrangement includes playful elements like a piccolo, ukulele, and chromatic flurries exchanged between piano, strings, and woodwinds. The piece features a guitar solo, a pizzicato tap dance section, and a boisterous dogfight, ending with a lighthearted quote of "Aloha Oe."

  • “The Jolly Fat Man” – This Jamie Cullum original is arranged as a medium swing tune with a striking resemblance to "Hit the Road Jack." Dedicated to Santa Claus, it uniquely features the bassist on an improvised solo, a rare moment in big band jazz.

  • “The Christmas Song” – This arrangement captures the romantic flavor of classic 1940s Christmas movies, blending lush harmonies with a sense of nostalgia. It features an improvised piano solo as well as a beautifully arranged string ensemble section led by the cellos.

  • “Hang Your Lights” – Inspired by a request from the male vocalist, this Jamie Cullum original was reimagined in a Bolero style for the verse, transitioning into a lively Dixieland-era swing for each chorus. The arrangement also features a rousing trombone solo and a playful nod to "When the Saints Go Marching In."

  • “White Christmas” – Opening with a grand nod to the Golden Age of Broadway, this arrangement transitions into a modern swing vibe that breathes new life into the Irving Berlin classic. Both male and female vocalists are featured, with a swinging tenor saxophone soli, and the final chorus showcases an exciting call-and-response between the big band and the vocalists.

  • “The Christmas Waltz” – Opening with intricate string work inspired by Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" from The Nutcracker, this arrangement blends classical elegance with a jazz sensibility. It provides ample room for the vocalists to dance and features an improvisational spotlight for Trumpet 2.

  • “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow” – This arrangement is an upbeat mambo that brings a festive, Latin-inspired energy to the classic holiday tune. Featuring both vocalists, it offers plenty of room for improvisation, with all four trumpet players taking turns on improvised solos, followed by an exciting improvised piano solo. The rhythmic drive and lively brass make this arrangement a standout, infusing a warm, tropical feel into the holiday classic.

  • “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Arranged as a solo for female vocal, this piece features a pop reharmonization with lush strings woven throughout, capturing the original’s melancholic and heartfelt tone. The arrangement includes a beautiful soprano saxophone solo in the middle, adding a layer of warmth and introspection.

  • “Jingle Bells” – As the grand finale of the show, this arrangement is a modern, straight-ahead burner played at a blistering "as fast as possible" tempo. Featuring double-time hits behind a half-time vocal, it includes shouts, solos, an intricate saxophone soli, and a massive pyramid building to a dramatic ending.

 
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