October 2024 update

In mid October I was pleased to be in attendance at Saxophone Orchestra Manchester’s weekend event in which almost 70 players participated, rehearsing a variety of repertoire in readiness for the concert on Sunday afternoon. The players were all enthusiastic and a delight to chat to and Saira Clegg (the conductor) was expert at coaxing what was needed from the group in both a fun and engaging way (very ably assisted by assistant conductor Adam Hall).

In this yearly October weekend event they also so far have commissioned a new original piece written especially for the purpose and this year they premiered my The Way Appears which I composed for them. It consists of four movements: Lost, Trials, Forgiveness and Joy: subjects I felt everyone could associate with in life and it takes us on a journey where hopefully, if we are receptive enough and also willing to learn, the way does indeed appear and reveal itself.

The work ends with the movement Joy in which themes of the earlier three movements reappear in some way (often having changed tonality from minor to major) showing us that although things we have experienced in the past (often traumatic and painful) are still often carried with us, they can be used for good and for helping others currently going through similar times: far better than living life dwelling in bitterness and anger.

The movement most dear to my heart (and often the hardest lesson!) is Forgiveness (movement 3) which was composed during a challenging time and whilst away briefly in the beautiful Wiltshire area. In order to move on we have to forgive others but we also have to forgive ourselves and allow ourselves to be forgiven…

I also immensely enjoyed working on the finale: Joy! In which you might hear influences from some of my favourite composers and genres (Whelan, Holst, Folk, Celtic) and this paints a picture of release and the freedom that comes if we can just lay old things down in order to move on (like in one of my favourite books: A Pilgrims Progress).

Throughout the ten minute piece repeated crotchets (quarter notes) can often be heard ebbing in and out, signifying the strand of life that is always present, whether or not we can see (or choose to see) it. A reminder that we don’t walk alone.

I was present at the ensembles first rehearsal together on the Saturday and for final rehearsal (on Youtube here) and the concert performance (where they absolutely smashed it!). Well done to Saxophone Orchestra Manchester and to Saira and Adam for a well planned event!

I hope you might enjoy listening to my multitracked version of The Way Appears (one instrument per part) via the Youtube video below (and if you can consider subscribing to the Masquerade Music channel and giving the video a cheeky like that’d be great!).

July 2024 update

Things have been productive recently with a few new projects, I am now playing once a month at Stretton Hall tea rooms near Clay Cross, Derbyshire – usually two hours of background Jazz Ballads, Latin, Rat Pack etc whilst people chat and enjoy lunch. The staff, food and venue are lovely so it’s well worth a visit! I’m playing there next on Saturday 27th July between 1-3pm.

Last weekend I performed with Equinox Saxophone Ensemble at Sale near Manchester alongside and with the Saxophone Orchestra Manchester who is an approximately 70 strong saxophone group of varying abilities. Both the training band and main group were a joy to listen to and all items were well received!

I have just completed a commission for the Saxophone Orchestra Manchester which will be the main focus of their October weekend event. The piece travels through four movements and is just under 10 minutes duration. It will be premiered on the Sunday of the weekend.

Work begins now on Christmas Jazz Volume 4 (it’s tradition in our household to be working on Christmas music during the scorching summer days! ;D) and other writing arranging projects.

Teaching continues to be a never-ending passion for me as is running the Wayward Winds ensemble on fortnightly Friday evenings (though we have broken up for Summer and our first main playing session resumes from 13th September 2024). It’s truly wonderful to hear and see players growing in confidence in a fun and encouraging environment.

April 2023 update

Apologies for the period of absence…I am very much still around, enjoying writing new music (more details below) still happily teaching, (and pootling around in the veg patch when time allows!). Rehearsals and concerts have re-commenced for Equinox Saxophone Ensemble again so it’s been wonderful to be with my musical buddies again (and the lovely cake selection that is mandatory at rehearsals…).

Since the last update (the release of Celtic Collage Volume 2) I’ve been involved in three new books: Christmas Jazz Volume 3, Groove Zones 1, and Tales from the Cornish Coast (videos and links below on buying options should you wish below).

Christmas Jazz Volume 3 doesn’t really need much of an introduction to those who have enjoyed the previous books in the collection, as again, Chris and I have followed our formula of three more lively paced carols coupled with two slower smooshier arrangements. We both agree…it’s our favourite Christmas Jazz yet! Carols included in this collection are O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Christmas Tree, Here we Come a-Wassailing, It Came upon a Midnight Clear, and Ding Dong Merrily on High. CJ3 is available in Eb sax, Bb sax, Bb clarinet, and flute editions and I’ve posted a medley of excerpts video link further down the page (tenor sax edition) for your listening pleasure (I really feel like baking some mince pies right now too!).

Groove Zones 1 embraces a more commercial soloist sound and also caters for players on their growing musical journey. Although there are five pieces in the book, each piece has been presented in three difficulty levels so in effect there are fifteen pieces to go at in the book. The easier level is labelled as Street and caters for approximately grade 2-3 level, Town-level pieces are really grade 3-5, and if you want to tackle the big City then really we’re talking grades 5-7 to do a good job. The City versions tend to contain more acrobatics, effects, lip slurs or embellishments etc, and all pieces come with full demonstration and brilliantly inspiring backing tracks for you to groove along to. The styles vary from chill out, Funk, Blues, and just plain random. I loved recording these on alto sax, and the tenor sax, and flute editions will be along very soon (watch this space!). You can buy Eb sax Groove Zones 1 here.

Last but not least, Chris and I have just completed the flute and piano edition of Tales from the Cornish Coast – six tranquil seascapes for grades 2-5 (approx). In this short project (and with Chris being born and bred in Cornwall) we were able to put into music some of the locations on this stunning coastline. We each completed three pieces and the flute edition is now available as instant download (PDF/MP3) edition. The printed book with audio download codes will be available towards the end of April. A clarinet and saxophone edition is in the making so do remember to visit www.masquerade-music.com to check for availability. Please see a video medley below for the flute edition.

Anyway, that’s all for now so grab a mince pie, get in the groove, then smell the salt air and relax next to the sea!