(Doctor of Musical Arts)
All of these tracks were initially composed specifically for large ensemble performance; (17/18 piece jazz orchestra). Later, most of these compositions have been recorded and/or performed in a small group setting.
I had a great experience when I saw the McCoy Tyner Trio play here in Toronto at a venue called The New York Hotel. This straight ahead jazz composition also has sections of Latin-Jazz, and also features "Coltrane changes" on the bridge. Solos are performed by myself on tenor saxophone, David Colvin on drums, and Peter Stoltzman on piano.
Certain members of the most excellent trombone section in The University of Texas Jazz Orchestra would often ask me to write a piece specifically for them, in order to challenge their skills. I rose to the challenge and composed this bebop contrafact as applied to the standard, "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise.” It features solos by Eundo Wear (trumpet), David Renter (tenor saxophone), Myself (baritone saxophone), James Fidlon (guitar), as well as a trombone section soli.
Copyright 2015 Michael Arthurs All rights reserved.