(8 Brass) Up-tempo swing (q=220). this high-energy big band piece starts off with a full ensemble shout and drops its energy down into a short piano solo. The band then enters with fragments of the main meldoy, using bold dynamic gestures and sharp attacks to highlight drum work. After a large build-up and statement of the tune, a tenor solo ensues with plenty of space and well-integrated backgrounds. Next comes an open drum solo after which the melody returns. This piece ends with a final burst of energy making it a great closer.

View all charts by Dan Cavanagh

DAN CAVANAGH is a pianist and composer who graduate magna cum laude from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN with a Bachelor of Music degree in Theory/Composition. He held a position at Coda Music Technology (makers of Finale music notation software) and then moved to Eugene, Oregon to become a Graduate Teaching Fellow at the University of Oregon. There he earned a master's degree in Jazz Studies--Composition/Arranging while studying with jazz composer and arranger, Steve Owen. In addition to directing the University of Oregon Jazz Lab Band III, he directed small jazz ensembles and taught classes in jazz improvisation, jazz theory, and jazz history. He was awarded Outstanding Graduate Student in Jazz Studies in his graduating class; and has won several compositoin awards including Collegiate Composer of the Year in 2000 from the Minnesota Music Educators' Association. Recently, he received commissions from Hill Murray High School, the White Bear Lake Community Theatre, Sisters High School and the University of Oregon. Dan currently teaches at East Metro Music Academy in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, directs the Dan Cavanagh Big Band and plays in various groups around the Twin Cities. His music is currently pubished by UNC Jazz Press.