(Level IV) Following a gorgeous chorale introduction, this piece pulls out all the stops with an aggressive up-tempo 5/4 swing groove that transforms into an extended ECM-ish 3/4 solo section for trumpet, piano or guitar. Constantly shifting meters, progressive chord changes, melodic contrapuntal writing, and a quirky 5/4 drum feature make this a great high-energy festival chart. 8 Brass

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.