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.
This piece is dedicated to Charlie Mariano who was one of my favorite teachers at Berklee. Besides being one of the great jazz alto saxophonists, Charlie had an equally great sense of humor.
The score has two sections where improvisation is used: Roadkill Interlude and over the 5/4 vamp toward the end (not played on the demo recording). The improv in Roadkill Interlude can be in jazz, avant-garde classical, polka, or other styles....even using a violin to play in an old-time fiddle style. This is an open space for anything that is creative and fun. Ideally, it is different for each performance.
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. Percussion is not used in the notated sections of the score.
Note: Besides being for wind ensemble, this piece can be performed by a large jazz ensemble with additional woodwinds and brass. There is also a lead sheet version (my original handwritten copy at the New Music USA Online Library) so it can be played by smaller groups.
This piece is dedicated to Charlie Mariano who was one of my favorite teachers at Berklee. Besides being one of the great jazz alto saxophonists, Charlie had an equally great sense of humor.
The score has two sections where improvisation is used: Roadkill Interlude and over the 5/4 vamp toward the end (not played on the demo recording). The improv in Roadkill Interlude can be in jazz, avant-garde classical, polka, or other styles....even using a violin to play in an old-time fiddle style. This is an open space for anything that is creative and fun. Ideally, it is different for each performance.
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. Percussion is not used in the notated sections of the score.
Note: Besides being for wind ensemble, this piece can be performed by a large jazz ensemble with additional woodwinds and brass. There is also a lead sheet version (my original handwritten copy at the New Music USA Online Library) so it can be played by smaller groups.
Recording information: The musicians on Roadkill Interlude are Jason Shapiro, soprano saxophone; E. Shawn Qaissaunee, guitar; Brian Howell, bass; and Skip Rohrich, drums. The other sections of the score are a demo recording by Jason Shapiro. This is an approximation of how the piece sounds with a real band.