BS&T (6-part, Bb trumpet)

Composed in 2010, this 6-part trumpet ensemble is a dedication to one of my all time trumpet heroes, Lew Soloff.  Lew was an incredible trumpet artist, perhaps best known for his work in the stellar jazz-rock band, Blood, Sweat and Tears.  Those of us who grew up in that era (late 1960’s-mid 1970’s)  knew every note Lew played on those recordings.  His iconic solos on Spinning Wheel and Lucretia’s Reprise are hinted at here, hence the subtitle Borrowed Soloff and Trumpets (BS&T).  This was performed at the annual Trumpet Festival of the Southeast at the University of Alabama, hosted by trumpet professor Dr. Eric Yates.  Lew Soloff was our “jazz” artist that year.  He seemed to be honored when I presented him a copy of the piece.  Unfortunately he did not get to hear our performance of the piece.  

Here is the premiere performance from TFSE, 2011.