A Sample Of My Music
When I am working on a new piece, I give free rein to whatever the music is expressing. Sometimes it is in a particular style, sometimes it is a combination of styles, and sometimes I do not know what to call it. If the music gives me a smile or laugh, that is all I need to know.
New Tango No. 2: Mystery
I am deeply attracted to modern tango. My tangos are written in a personal style and are not intended to be like conventional ballroom tango music. They draw upon jazz and at times have a touch of contemporary classical. In a curious way, several musician friends have told me that they hear a Frank Zappa influence in some of my tangos. I suspect that is due to the humor that runs through much of my music.
New Tango No. 2 is part of a series of tango-jazz compositions. Each one explores a particular quality of the tango. Number 2 expresses a mysterious mood and has a touch of blues. Recorded by Amy Leonard, violin; Jeff Knoettner, keyboards; E. Shawn Qaissaunee, guitar; and Peter McCarthy, bass.
New Tango No. 2 is part of a series of tango-jazz compositions. Each one explores a particular quality of the tango. Number 2 expresses a mysterious mood and has a touch of blues. Recorded by Amy Leonard, violin; Jeff Knoettner, keyboards; E. Shawn Qaissaunee, guitar; and Peter McCarthy, bass.
Blues For Lester
Blues For Lester is an extended piece for mid-size ensemble with an eclectic blend of jazz, funk, contemporary classical, and blues. It is an expression of my admiration for Lester Young, the great tenor saxophonist, who had many quirky qualities in his music. Score demo by David Arivett. The instrumentation used in the demo is violin, alto flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, bassoon, piano, bass, and drums.
Buzzards In Love
Buzzards In Love is a piece for wind ensemble that draws upon many influences. It turns a conventional wind ensemble into a contemporary jazz orchestra. Instrumentation: 4 flutes, alto flute, oboe, bassoon, 3 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 alto saxophones, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, 4 trumpets, 3 french horns, 3 trombones, baritone horn, and tuba. Score demo by Jason Shapiro.
A Samba Named Nancy
This samba is for my wife, Nancy. I wrote it to express her warmth, caring, and how she is a wonderful dancer. Recorded by Jason Shapiro, tenor saxophone; E. Shawn Qaissaunee, guitar; Brian Howell, bass; and Skip Rohrich, drums.
Rainy Afternoon
Rainy Afternoon is a fairly conventional jazz ballad that has a nod of appreciation to Billy Strayhorn. Recorded by Amy Leonard, violin; Jeff Knoettner, piano; E. Shawn Qaissaunee, guitar; and Peter McCarthy, bass.
Sunset On The Chesapeake
The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure. An especially beautiful time to be on the Chesapeake is at sunset. This piece is dedicated to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and all of those who are working to restore and protect the Bay. Recorded by James Barr, guitar.
Rubber Chicken Rag
Rubber Chicken Rag draws upon American roots music; however, it is not a traditional kind of rag. It is meant to be fun and audacious. Performers can take the music in any creative direction they want to go with it. Recorded by Amy Leonard, violin; E. Shawn Qaissaunee, guitar; and Peter McCarthy, bass.
Uxmal At Midnight
Uxmal At Midnight is a slow tango. The tune is fairly simple; however, it has a beauty that invokes images of this magical place. Recorded by Amy Leonard, violin; Jeff Knoettner, keyboards; E. Shawn Qaissaunee, guitar; and Peter McCarthy, bass.
To explore more of the music, see Selected Originals.