Results
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£30.00Dapperidoo - Jock McKenzie
The composition of "Dapperidoo" was inspired by the writing of P.G. Wodehouse and aims to create an ambience of humour and faux sophistication in the 1920's style. "Dapperidoo" is a nonsense word typically expressed by some of Wodehouse's more hapless characters.
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£30.00Django - Jock McKenzie
Django is inspired by the sounds of 'Hot Club Jazz'. The origins of this style also known as Gypsy Swing or Jazz Manouche were to be found in France in the 1930s. Indeed, the most famous group, based in Paris was the "Quintette du Hot Club de France" and featured in its ranks the legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli. My composition Django seeks to provide a 'beginners guide' to some of the typical elements of this musical style: After a 'faux improvised' opening flourish, the main theme is in the characteristic minor key, including use of arpeggio figures to point the direction of the melodic line. The melodies throughout the piece are presented in a duet-like manner, spaced in intervals of 3rds and 6ths. The accompaniment based strongly around the minor 6th chords is designed to imitate the role of the rhythm section in a typical gypsy swing band.
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£30.00Fugatango - Steve Waterman
"When Roger Argente approached me to write a composition for his Spanish flavoured brass project, he made the suggestion that a Tango, althoughmore Argentinian than Spanish, would fit in well with the overall concept. I have always been a very big fan of the music of Argentinian composerAstor Piazzolla and particularly the way that the Tango could be combined with jazz. A favourite recording of mine is of Piazzolla himselfperforming (on the bandoneon) with the jazz saxophonist Gerry Mulligan. Roger and I both thought it would be a good idea to let some of themusicians in the ensemble take improvised solos. As the composing progressed, a fugato also emerged hence the title Fugatango."
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£40.00Dragons' Rise - Matthew Hall
Dragons' Rise was commissioned by the Tredegar Town Band in July 2008 for their CD recording Spirit of the Valleys, to represent the band beginning their resurrection from a difficult time in the bands history back through to becoming on of the best bands in the world. It was premiered by the Tredegar Town Band at the National Eisteddfod contest in Cardiff in August 2008, performed live on national television, where the band were victorious.Dragons' Rise was the first piece composed by Matthew as the bands new composer-in-residence. Subsequent pieces have included Legends of Cyfarthfa and Nightingale Dances, both winners of the Cyril Beere award for Best New Composition at Brass in Concert, The Smile and Activate.
Estimated dispatch 5-7 working days
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Off Duty - John Dankworth - Len Jenkins
The late John Dankworth (1927-2010) made a string of recordings in the 1960s that have since come to be regarded as some of the finest British jazz of their time. Amongst these is his composition 'Off Duty' which was recorded in the 1960s when the influence of pop and rock on jazz was at its height and instruments such as the bass guitar were beginning to be incorporated into jazz's vocabulary. At this time and almost subconsciously, a Dankworth 'pop' style also evolved. This was a balanced marriage between jazz and pop which is here demonstrated in 'Off Duty' thanks to the ingenious and original orchestration by John Dankworth, and the faithful arrangement for Brass Band by one of his fans, Len Jenkins. The title is interesting as John loved to play with words. 'Off Duty' could mean relaxing away from work, but could also carry the implication of something not attracting taxation.... a sort of 'duty-free'. About the same time, the Dave Brubeck Quartet produced the seminal 'Take Five'... so could this be John's take on that title, suggesting a short break? Which meaning fits best for you? The piece would best suit the capabilities of a brass band playing at the standard of Third Section or above.
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Walk, Don't Run - Johnny Smith - Len Jenkins
"Walk, Don't Run" is an instrumental composition written and first recorded by jazz guitarist Johnny Smith in 1954. Chet Atkins also recorded it. However, the most well-known version is by a rock band called The Ventures from Tacoma (near Seattle) who released their version of the tune as a single in spring 1960. It was an instant success. In 1964, The Ventures released an updated version called "Walk Don't Run '64," which also made the Top 10 in the US, and there were 4 further editions up until 2000. In the UK, the tune was covered by the John Barry Seven. Rolling Stone magazine rated the Ventures' version of "Walk, Don't Run" as number 82 on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time.
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Diamonds - Jerry Lordan - Len Jenkins
In November 1962, ex-Shadows members Jet Harris and Tony Meehan decided to work as a duo and went to No 1 with a Jerry Lordan composition, "Diamonds". Harris, a bass player, took an ordinary Fender guitar and detuned every string a whole tone to enable him to hit notes which were lower than an ordinary guitar. However, it was apparently difficult to work with on stage since once the strings were slackened they would go out of tune very easily. The duo went on to have a second Top 10 hit with "Scarlett O'Hara" which is also available from Wobbleco Music in an arrangement for brass band. Both arrangements seek to capture the characteristic style of 60's rock music and retain the signature drum solos for which they are rightly remembered. But in addition, both pieces also appeal to a younger generation who may not have heard the originals. Our young kit drummer in Woburn Sands 'A' Band commented "...the (drum) part has the slightest shuffle feel to it, which improves the groove of the song, and to replicate the vintage snare-drum sound, I have heard that you can place a towel or a cloth over the head of the drum. I think it would work well...(otherwise) the drum part stays relatively simple and repetitive"...Chance to re-create the sound of the 60's.....Go for it!
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In Dreams - Roy Orbison - Len Jenkins
"In Dreams" is a song composed and sung by rock and roll performer Roy Orbison, and was released as a single on Monument Records in February 1963. Orbison later claimed that the origin for "In Dreams" came to him while he was sleeping, as many of his songs did. When he woke up the next morning, the entire composition was written in 20 minutes. Like many of Orbison's songs, but unlike the majority of rock and roll ballads, in under 3 minutes it goes through seven movements with distinct melodies and chord progressions without repeating itself. It was for that reason that I have always believed it was a suitable piece for brass where one does not have lyrics to distinguish changes between verses to avoid monotony. Graham Cooper
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Slap Dash - Len Jenkins - Len Jenkins
Slap Dash is an original composition by Len Jenkins and takes you back to the days of black and white films, Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy. You can almost see, and can certainly hear the frantic dashing about of the characters as they attempt to get things 'right' and of course inevitably get into a 'right' pickle.
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£52.00Stories for Saroyan - Elgar Howarth
Stories for Saroyan was written for Robert Childs and has also been performed to great acclaim by his son David Childs. A concerto of stature, graced with the composer's hallmark scoring, intense passion, and enigma! The Saroyan of the title is the American author William Saroyan whose tales inspired the composition. Saroyan, who one the Pulitzer Prize and turned it down, became known for loosly structured, impressionistic plays and stories stressing his belief in people's basic innocence. Elgar Howarth has set the standard of modern brass arranging, and his original works feature largely in the Winwood Music catalogue
Estimated dispatch 7-9 working days