(Level IV) If you've ever wondered what Stella By Starlight might sound like in 3/2 over an Eb augmented Holland-esque bass ostinato, repeated transitions from a latin-esque 3/2 to swing 4/4 with dotted quarter note = quarter note every time you hit the bridge, extended modal changes in six bar phrases for the solo section and a wild 1970s fusion-inspired coda drum solo, then this arrangement is DEFINITELY for you. The chart is divided into two distinct sections, The Space Between, a slow, through-composed ballad intro featuring tenor saxophone and piano plus clarinet doubles in the saxes, followed by the more raucous affair, Southern Standard, mentioned above for the body of the tune. Commissioned by the late Paul Shaghoian for Buchanan High School and by Brian Coyle for Hope College in Holland, Michigan, this chart requires some serious work and high-end listening from the rhythm section and soloists (tenor, trombone or guitar/piano + drums), but the payoff is an unforgettably unusual treatment of Stella that's become a hit with performers and audience members alike.
View all charts by James Miley
JAMES MILEY, Director of Jazz Studies at California State University, Fresno, spent several years teaching in Michigan and Oregon before returning to his home state of California in the Fall of 1999. An active composer in both the jazz and classical idioms, he has written music for a variety of chamber and choral ensembles, including a recent concerto for wind ensemble, jazz trio and electric guitar. In addition to the big band compositions and arrangements available through UNC Jazz Press, James' work is featured on a 1996 recording by the Los Angeles-based electric jazz band "Suburban Alphabet", and a soon-to-be released compact disc by the eclectic-electric trio "Code 3". He holds degrees from Occidental College, the University of Arizona and the University of Oregon.
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