UNC Jazz Press

(9 Brass) Medium, straight-ahead blues with Monk-ish melody. Two open solo sections with exciting shout ending. Great showcase for soloists.

View all charts by Vince Mendoza

VINCE MENDOZA has been heralded by critics as a master of contemporary idioms. Since his first musical alliance with Peter Erskine in 1985, artists such as Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, Charlie Haden, Andy Narell and John Abercrombie have prominently featured Mendoza's compositons and arrangements on their albums. His solo albums on Blue Note, Start Here and Instructions Inside were critical triumphs that featured such artists as John Scofield, Joe Lovano, Ralph Towner, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Peter Erskine and others. Start Here was one of Jazziz Magaine's "Top Picks" and Mendoza has been reccognized as "Best Composer/Arranger" by Swing Journal's critics poll in Japan. His work on the Blue Note tribue to Brian Wilson CD brought him his second Grammy Nomination for Best Instrumental Arrangement. His most recent CD Epiphany (Zebra Records) features the London Symphony Orchestra. Mendoza's work as an arranger can also be heard on Joni Mitchell's new album Both Sides Now, the Yellowjackets Greenhouse and with artists such as Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau, Bobby McFerrin, Al DiMeloa, Gino Vannelli, Joe Zawinul, Salif Keita, Sadao Watanabe, New York Vocies and various other artists. He recently arranged and conducted orchestral music for Lars van Trier's new film featuring Icelandic singer Bjork. His television music has been nominated for an Emmy Award. His music for the World Cup closing ceremonies was broadcast worldwide. Vince was the arranger/conductor for Don Henley's Stormy Weather concert and recording in Los Angeles and San Francisco featuring Sheryl Crow. Stevie Nicks and others. Mendoza is the principal guest conductor of the Metropole Orchestra of the Netherlands. He has been commissioned to compose for such groups as the Turtle Island String Quartet, the Debussy Trio, the L. A. Guitar Quartet and the Koeln Radio Orchestra. He actively condcuts concerts of his music in Europe, Scandinavia, Japan and the UK. He has appeared at the Montreux and Northsea Jazz Festivals. His music was featured at the Berlin Jazz Festival. Mendoza has degrees from Ohio State University and the University of Southern California.