Originally released on April 8, 2012

In this episode, I talk about my composition “Powerhouse,” composed and arranged for a jazz band when I was in high school.

I begin the episode talking about the response to episode 1, Rue’s Whistle. I read a website comment from Rich Snively, Jr. I talk about the Hunger Game movie and what the “Rue’s Whistle” scene was like.

I then talk about the standard pieces in a big-band-type jazz band.

I talk about the natural minor chord progression Cm, Abmaj7, Bb, Cm that I used on this piece, inspired by songs composed by my high school friend Steve Lanciano.

I then review the form of the song:

• Short introduction
• A section repeated 3 times layered with saxes the first time, trombones added the second time, trumpets added the third time
• B section with 3 overlapping parts: sax long note pads, trumpets 4-part harmony melody, and trombone counter-melody
• C section repeated 6 times layered with low instruments, tenor sax/trombones, lead alto/2nd trumpet, and the rest of the parts
• Solo section where I improvised a saxophone solo. Near the end of the solo, I improvised on top of horn background parts – one of my most joyful experiences in music
• quick intro, repeat of A section and coda

I then play Powerhouse.

I then talk about podcasts, and how you can find and subscribe to this and other podcasts in iTunes or other podcast directories. You can find podcasts about almost every subject you are interested in.

This feed intermixes the podcast episodes (usually released every other Sunday) with the compositions they are about (released about 1 1/2 weeks later). If you subscribe in iTunes, please use “download all episodes” option so you don’t miss any podcast episodes.

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