Odyssey (2025)
A baritone saxophone soloist moves through a series of diverse musical environments, at first dominating — then having to find ways to fit in — finally coming to rest in hospitable territory.
Two Plus Three (2023)
A lighthearted piece in traditional song form, with three “verses”, each followed by the same chorus. The 2+3 idea (suggested by the year of composition) is carried out in two ways: At the micro level the music is built out of groupings of 2+3 notes. At the macro level the first verse features two instruments (marimba and electric guitar); the second verse features three instruments (vibraphone, synthesizer, and acoustic guitar); and the third verse brings all five instruments and their music together. Percussion and electric bass provide support along the way, and the whole group joins in singing the choruses accompanied by electronic organ.
Dreamer (2022)
We join the protagonist of the piece in deep dreamless sleep. Soon, faint stirrings appear and evolve into a full blown dream-scene. A series of fleeting episodes ensues, punctuated occasionally by jolts of recognition and passing references to ancient music. The original dream-scene returns but then evaporates, returning the protagonist to dreamless sleep. What is the meaning of the dream? Your interpretation is as good as mine!
Changing My Tune (2021)
A set of seven progressive variations. Each variation is faster than the one before, and each variation adds new instrument(s) to the ensemble. The notes in the opening guitar solo serve as the basis for the following variations, with changes in rhythm and register and repetitions of one or more notes.
Nightsong (2020)
Daylight ebbs after sunset, gradually giving way to darkness. Crickets begin to chirp. Once the sky has fully settled into its nocturnal state the song of the night rises from the depths. Its music gains in intensity, eventually echoing back from afar, filling the night with overlapping layers of its song.
Guitarscape (2019)
An ensemble piece for electric guitars, using a 5-toned blues scale and laid out in a symmetrical pattern:
Guitar #1 solo; Guitar #2 solo; Guitar #3 solo.
Contrasting middle section for all three soloists (symmetrical within itself).
Guitar #3 solo (shortened); Guitar #2 solo (expanded); Guitar #1 solo.
Each of the three soloists has a distinct tone quality and musical style setting it apart from the others. Guitar #2’s expanded solo consists of its original music repeated several times while a rhapsodic elaboration of its melody is superimposed. The ending of the piece combines a reference to the middle section with Guitar #1’s music.