'p a r k b e n c h s t o r y'
compositions & arrangements
by John Warren
available from
The music on this CD is a selection of pieces from the basic repertoire of VOTN. It is music I have written for several ensembles including my big band, John Surman’s Brass Project and the WDR Big Band in Cologne, spanning thirty years. The Northumberland Youth Jazz Orchestra commissioned Something Stirs. They wanted a straight ahead swing chart that provided simple solo sections for their aspiring improvisers. VOTN didn’t have a piece like this so I decided to add more challenging ensemble passages and a variation to the solo sequence. Andy B. and Graham get us off to a great start while Lewis shines on the alternative progression.
Alliteration Addict is a medium tempo blues. After playing around with a variety of ideas, the piece settles into a trumpet and baritone theme. The extended solo section provides a sequence of changing backdrops for the two improvisers. Both Don and Noel each respond with a warm personal statement. Park Bench Story is an atmospheric piece that describes the (imaginary?) meeting of two strangers on a park bench. The chat gradually develops into a more personal narrative reflected through the individual and eloquent statements from Richard and Mick. After this extended exchange, the piece goes out on a quiet note. Lament - I got to know this J.J. Johnson ballad in Gil Evan’s wonderful arrangement while wearing out several copies of “Miles Ahead”. This influential Miles Davis recording from the ‘50s was also a favourite of Norwegian singer Karin Krog and she wanted an arrangement based on it. It came out well so I decided to do an instrumental version and expand it to include an improvised solo for tenor saxophone. The melody and chord progression of this beautiful song can’t help but bring out the best in any soloist, and Lewis responds with a stunning performance. Sanae Stomp was inspired by the music of a group of South African musicians who came to Britain in the 1960s. Their blend of township jazz and free playing was an exciting and exuberant addition to the music scene. The happy groove finds Sue and Andy B. in high spirits. Three choruses from Richard kicks off “You Blue? Me Too”. This straight ahead blues with traditional riff-based ensembles that spur Sue and Keith to fine solos. The Author’s Revised Version is the oldest piece on the CD. It was a first, both of my terrible punning titles, and my attempts to use thematic material throughout a composition. This begins in Graham’s first chorus where he trades four bar phrases with the sax section paraphrasing the melody. After Andy C. and Lewis add their personal observations, the ensemble has another go at developing the melodic ideas before a reprise of the opening statement. Lost in the Works started life as piece for a youth band but after several revisions, it reached the advanced level. It is a workout for all the sections with the saxes featured in a lengthy soli. Noel and Mick add their stylish solo outings to the proceedings.
Writing about the music has inevitably lead to mention of the soloists. But the performance wouldn’t be the same without the other key ensemble players. Special thanks are due to the lead players – Gordon, Kevin and Dave, bass trombonist Alan all spurred on by the inspired playing of Richard, Andy and Adrian.
John Warren
