Isolation Brass projects

During the 2020/2021 pandemic I tried to keep myself busy being creative and performing the best way I could. Some of these are new compositions and some are old arrangements that I haven’t gotten played in many years. My video editing skills aren’t great but it was fun to work on these and rediscover some of my older stuff. Enjoy!

Daahoud

Here’s Clifford Brown’s Daahoud. 

This is in tribute to and inspired by the recently departed Slide Hampton who wrote so many great multi trombone arrangements over the years. I really tried to capture some of his style in this one. 

I’m joined by the amazing Jon Maharaj on Bass and Ernesto Cervini on Drums. 

One Day At A Time

I wrote this one at the beginning of a recent pandemic lockdown. It's about trying to stay creative in the midst of adversity. I call it "One Day At A Time". 

“You Must Believe In Spring” By Michel Legrand 

Like many of you I discovered this tune through Bill Evans’ version.

It’s a sentiment I’ve been thinking a lot about lately, but I find it’s easier said than done at times. I wrote this arrangement about how being hopeful is not always a straight path but can be full of pitfalls like self-doubt and negative thoughts which can be hard to shake these days. 

Maybe some of you can relate?

There’s a lot to be hopeful for, the journey continues. 

Isolation suite

I wrote 5 movements of music around my feelings during the 2020 pandemic using only low brass and household percussion instruments.

Part 1: Ballad for Friendship

It's a tribute to you! They say you don't know what you've got until it's gone, and I certainly feel that way sometimes.

Part 2: What Day Is It?

Why keep track if every day is the same?! I had some fun with filters and panning to make it sound a little more disorienting for those of you listening in stereo. 

Part 3: Just Like Old Times

You know when you get a call or text from a friend after being in isolation for months on end? It reminds you of all the good times gone by and the good ones yet to come. I wrote this tune about that feeling. The black and white filter might have been a bit much but oh well...

Part 4: Desperate Algorithm

Like most people I've spent more time on social media during the pandemic than before and I can't help but notice how desperate all the ads are, just constant bombardment of the same ads over and over, making you even less likely to click out of pure frustration. I tried to write something to feature some bass trombone and household percussion. We've now reached the pinnacle of my iMovie editing capabilities.

Part 5: Sidewalk Chicken

You know when you're trying to be a good social distancer on the sidewalk and you see someone coming at you from the other direction. Who will move first you or them...? 

Naima

Here’s an 11 trombone arrangement of John Coltrane’s Naima with a bit of percussion as well.

Tenderly

I decided to change things up by writing for a single voice on this one. I was inspired by Michael Brecker’s solo ballads he was doing late in his career.

Sleigh Ride

Here's a quirky arrangement of this holiday classic originally arranged for standard brass quintet but adapted for low brass.

monk’s mood

Here’s an old chart of mine of one of my favourite tunes Monk’s Mood.

AS

I produced, mixed and played on this great Stevie Wonder tune performed by Main Event Music