AUDIO: original version from "Four Ethereal Planes"
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SOLOS
Alto 1, Trumpet 2, Trombone 3, Piano, Bass, Drums DOUBLINGS none DURATION - ca. 6-8 minutes DIFFICULTY - Grade 5 The version of this tune written for "Four Ethereal Planes" received its world premiere on October 20, 2019: Holland Christian High School, Holland, Michigan; Kevin Day (soloist), Jordan VanHemert and the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra; Josh Trentadue, conductor |
The first time I ever saw Kevin Day playing piano was during an impromptu session one night at a local bar in Chicago. As much as I had known at that point how phenomenal of a composer he is, I quickly learned just how brilliantly gifted he also is as a jazz artist. It was in that fleeting moment that I knew I needed to write a new piece of music for him - something that could exemplify, demonstrate, and bring to life this amazing side of his artistry.
There's a scene in the Mark Frost/David Lynch show Twin Peaks where, at a welcoming party, one of the main characters suddenly finds themselves sobbing and dancing the moment big band music unexpectedly plays over speakers. It's confusingly chaotic and strangely comedic on the surface, but with an underlying darker tragedy behind all of it. A Solitary Nightcap, taken directly from the suite Four Ethereal Planes, is inspired by that moment as a fast-paced swing number which becomes wilder and wilder the further it goes, leading into a ridiculously over-the-top yet fulfilling conclusion.
I am incredibly thankful to Kevin for being open to this project and for the opportunity to write this work for him. I am also thankful to Jordan VanHemert and the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra for their incredible collaboration with us and bringing this piece to life.
There's a scene in the Mark Frost/David Lynch show Twin Peaks where, at a welcoming party, one of the main characters suddenly finds themselves sobbing and dancing the moment big band music unexpectedly plays over speakers. It's confusingly chaotic and strangely comedic on the surface, but with an underlying darker tragedy behind all of it. A Solitary Nightcap, taken directly from the suite Four Ethereal Planes, is inspired by that moment as a fast-paced swing number which becomes wilder and wilder the further it goes, leading into a ridiculously over-the-top yet fulfilling conclusion.
I am incredibly thankful to Kevin for being open to this project and for the opportunity to write this work for him. I am also thankful to Jordan VanHemert and the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra for their incredible collaboration with us and bringing this piece to life.