Compositions
5 Before D, 3 After C
A medium funk chart that alternates between 5/4 and 4/4 time. This chart has a killer groove that really give the soloists a chance to open up and explore. There are two open solo sections one in the alternating 5/4 and 4/4 groove, and one that's in 4/4 with a few rhythm section hits.
Breakfast with Bleep-Blorp
An up-beat funk/pop tune that'll keep you on your toes. Inspired by the humor of my friend and bassists Chris Hicks, this tune will have you wondering what's coming next.
Celestial Bodies
This contrafact of "Body and Soul" is nothing like what you'd expect. Written as an up-tempo swing with and two soli's between soloists it's perfect for a larger combo or ensemble.
Last Man Standing
A medium funk tune that moves to an upbeat hip-hop feel for the solo sections through a short interlude that can be used between soloists.
Lost In My Own Funk
A slow and somber ballad that weaves through several key centers, eventually culminating in an(optional) open cadenza.
Lunch Beer
A slow blues in Bb written with some double time harmonized figures(al-la "Parker's Mood"). While the harmonized double time figures are not necessary for the melody, it helps build interest when played on repeat by a larger ensemble.
Me Pierdo en Su Sonrisa
A nice relaxed samba with a lot of energy. The piece starts with soft improvised intro leading into a montuno(written or improvised) before the melody statement. Solos are over form and can easily be tailored to your ensmble needs.
Pavement Jefferson
An upbeat funk in the style of Maceo Parker with a lot of hits and open vamps for the horns and rhythm section to latch on to.
Permanent Psychosis
This is a challenging horn-duo piece in the style of Dave Holland perfect for any set of horn players looking to "duke it out." Little has intentionally been left for the rhythm section so they can feed off of the melody and what the horns are playing. This piece goes between 7/4 5/4 and 9/4.
Poco El Necio
An up beat samba based on the changes to "Manha De Carnaval" (aka- "A Day in the Life of A Fool") with written montuno and bass line and a killer horn soli after the solo section. This chart works well virtually anywhere in a set-list and is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Prophet
Written in memory of my Brother Dennis, this piece is a somber gospel tune with a repeating melody building to an uplifting climax in the outro.
The Rhythm Changes
Inspired by seeing students and colleges miss simple rhythms, I wrote this rhythm changes tune to really throw them off! With a head that is constently off set, a send off between soloists and a great horn soli leading into the drum solo, this tune is sure excite your audiance!
She's Hard to Forget
A beautiful ballad based on the changes to "Easy to Love" with a solo section that switches to swing.
Some Things...
A contrafact of "All the Things You Are" only in 3/4 instead of 4/4.
Unanswered Questions
A trombone feature based on the changes to "You Don't Know What Love Is." With written piano and bass lines, this intricate bossa is perfect for the intermediate to advanced rhythm section.