I have started an intermediate big band for adults at my teaching studio, and we’re playing my original compositions and arrangements. We’re having a blast! I was speaking to them about each composition, and which recordings influenced me at the time. Here are five recordings, in no particular order, that have influenced my composing and arranging.
One of the things that I noticed in my list was that in addition to being influential in my composing and arranging, I have also performed much of this music, sometimes with the composer themselves.
- Kenny Wheeler – Music For Large and Small Ensembles. From the opening voicings in the saxophone section to Norma Winstone doubling the melody lines, this is a desert island recording for me. I love the way Kenny Wheeler creates the environment for his melodies to soar.
2. Phil Nimmons – Nimmons ‘N’ Nine Plus Six – The Atlantic Suite. This is a recording that was super important to my formative years as a player. We performed many of these charts in the big bands that I was a part of, either in high school, college, and the Hamilton All-Star Jazz Band. When I’ve toured playing some of this music, and compared it to more “traditional” big band sounds, it is unique, and, to me, it feels very Canadian.
3. Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra – Treelines. I’ve been fortunate to perform many of these charts as well, and work with Christine Jensen when she has come through Ottawa at the jazz festival. Some of my favourite elements of her composing is the way that the music builds intensity through voicings, and driving rhythms.
4. Thad Jones & Mel Lewis – Live At The Village Vanguard. To me, this band is the extension of the Count Basie Orchestra – the harmonies are more dense, rhythmically less predictable, and more open for solos. Whenever I’m arranging jazz standards, I try to draw from the great solis and shout sections that this band has to offer.
5. Duke Ellington – Latin American Suite. I think that it’s hard to write a list like this and leave Duke Ellington off of it. His Latin America Suite is influential on my writing, because it offers a jazz composer’s perspective on the different styles and grooves, while preserving the sound of his jazz orchestra. I try to keep that in mind when I’m composing or arranging.
I hope that this list can provide some additional influence to your work!
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