samples
recent projects
samples
recent projects
I was asked by Orrin Evans to arrange Marvin Gaye’s classic tune, “Save The Children,“ for his upcoming Captain Black Big Band album “Walk A Mile In My Shoe“ featuring neo-soul vocalist, Bilal, recently nominated for the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
Orrin also featured the chart on some hits with vocalist Dianne Reeves. I originally wrote the chart for three horns, but the tour specifics had changed and was later asked to rework it for six. That was a welcome update, as it allowed me to include more depth in orchestration as originally intended.
A great friend and guitarist extraordinaire, Monroe Quinn, asked me to cover piano tracks on a new original project, “Perseverance“ that was just released. I’ve had the honor of working with Monroe on many projects and gigs over the years, and this was equally great to work on. More info at his site: www.monroequinn.com
I’ve been asked to collaborate on a new television pilot, “Spark Park“, scheduled to air in the near future. The producers, Spiffy Pictures is run by the Rudman brothers, David of whom is known for his work as “Cookie Monster“ and “Beaker“ on Seseme Street. Their other productions include Donkey Hodie, Nature Cat, and Frankie and Frank. Work has begun on Pilot scores.
Arranged the iconic “Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love“ for three horns on Conrad Herwig’s latest 2022 release on Savant, “The Latin Side of Mingus“, featuring Randy Brecker, Ruben Blades, Alex Sipiagin, Craig Handy, Bill O’Connell, Luques Curtis, Robby Ameen, and Camilo Molina. The tune is reimagined harmonically and rhythmically within a Salsa tradition. While departing from its original ballad framework, I sought to honor the key motivic subtleties Mingus infused in his amazing work.
I had also previously arranged “Sound of Love” for Jazz Trombone Choir which was included on Matt Neiss’, “The Capital Bones” 2021 album, “The Beat Goes On“ on the Summit label. Unlike “Latin Side”, this horn arrangement was fashioned in its native jazz ballad vibe, seeking to set the tune within a really lush trombone setting. I originally wrote this chart for the Rutgers University Scarlet Knight Jazz Trombone Ensemble back in 2012 as trombone choir piece, and was later commissioned in 2021 for a rewrite to include vocalist Renee Manning and Trombonist Earl McIntyre for a feature performance at the university.
Alongside the Sesame Street series, I started work on a new project with the Spiffy Pictures production team, originally scheduled to premiere early 2021. The project is “Donkey Hodie,“ a modern animated recreation of a puppet character from the well-known 60s/70s era series “Mister Rogers. " The contemporary scores are an eclectic mix of styles and parodies, and it’s been great to work on them so far.
“JOKER” (2019), Joaquin Phoenix, DC Movie, Warner Bros. Pictures, Todd Phillips, director. Worked with Bill O’Connell on stinger cuts for scenes depicting a Late Show television host (Robert De Niro). The cuts are part of the fictional tv production’s satirical Late Show theme music.
“This Little Light Of Mine,” WDR Big Band, Cologne. This is from a late October 2016 concert of Orrin Evans co-starring with the WDR Big band, along with trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, recorded in Cologne, Germany. I rendered out and added to rough sketches of ideas from Orrin in time for his trip. The performance featured solos by Orrin, Ruud Breuls (Tp), and Johan Hörlen (As), as well as Ambrose. I also worked on several other original charts for this concert that needed additional orchestration and prep including "As We Fight," Dreams of Manbhasnians," "Tough Love," and "Vartha."
"This Little Light of Mine" (studio version)
WDR Big Band, Orrin Evans, featuring trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire
"Music for Orchestra" by Eddie Palmieri. The commission continues to re-score this four-part suite for full orchestra. It features well-known Palmieri selections such as "Displacement" and "Noble Cruise." Eddie plans to record the suite and include it on special tour dates. More updates as things progress.
"Reflections", for the Moscow Jazz Orchestra, directed by jazz saxophonist and leader Igor Butman. I was asked to re-arrange Conrad Herwig's composition from his latest album into a large ensemble chart for the MJO's 2016 summer tour. It's contrasted from the original small horn chart as in a more lush, orchestral setting, and designed to feature either Tenor Sax (for Igor) or Trombone. Rutgers JE1 recently played it in concert with Conrad on lead, also featuring Alex Sipiagin, trumpet.
"King of the Mountain" and "Reflections" (title track) - "Conrad Herwig "Reflections", Criss Cross release, 2016. Conrad Herwig, Igor Butman, Alex Sipiagin, David Kikoski, Kenny Davis, and Jeff 'Tain' Watts. This rendition of "Reflections" puts more of a modern jazz twist to an otherwise Latin tune. Conrad composed it ("Atardecar En Tigre") based on melodic ideas and influences from his mentor, Eddie Palmieri. A Salsa arrangement for Palmieri's use is in progress, as well.
"Gods of the Yoruba" - 'The Latin Side Of Horace Silver', Michel Camilo with Conrad Herwig & The Latin Side All-Stars, Blue Note Jazz Club NYC, recorded August 2014. This arrangement has since become a much-requested favorite for Michel. It features a new sub-theme, horn-soli, ensemble breaks, montuno section, and lots of space for Michel to open up in 5/4.
Hiromi Uehara and Michel Camilo also performed a 4-hand piano rendition of this chart I created for the 13th Annual Tokyo Jazz Festival in September 2014. It was a last-minute arrangement request directly before his trip to Japan.
"Big O's Blues" (Herwig) - composed for Orrin Evans. This arrangement was premiered at the 2012 DC JazzFest featuring trumpeter Nicholas Payton, and played often by Orrin Evans' own Captain Black Big Band.
"Something" (Harrison)—Brazilian jazz guitarist José Neto (Steve Winwood, Airto Moreira, Paquito D’Rivera) requested that I arrange this tune for a recent "Beatles Brazil" concert by the Rutgers Jazz Ensemble I. I was also asked to arrange "Norwegian Wood" (Lennon/McCartney) for the performance.