Composer

Christopher Merz

Arranger

Christopher Merz

Category

Big Band

Level

Medium Advanced

Style

Straight 8ths

Ranges

Duration

9:13

Description

Written to honor one of the most original voices in jazz composition, this piece captures the sound and energy of Kenny Wheeler's large ensemble scores. The main theme is presented in tenor 1, flugelhorn 3, and wordless vocal (optional). Flugelhorn 3 solos over the form of the melody, followed by a metric modulation to a frenetic 3/2 groove for a trombone solo over a phrygian vamp. Ensemble material returns us to the original tempo and feel, and an abbreviated recap closes out with the original orchestration.