Category: Compare
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Compare: Raincheck
Daring to arrange Strayhorn’s gems, Don Braden, Gerald Clayton, Sachal Vasandani, bassist Rene Hart and I, took on the challenge with respect and enthusiasm. The result is a collection of some of the must unique and hip modern arrangements to date.
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Compare: Isfahan
Mark Rapp’s arrangement… Billy Strayhorn’s original… This arrangement was either loved or disliked by the critics – there was no in between. Those who liked it, enjoyed the night and day differences and originality of the work. Additionally, it was with honor and gratefulness, I received the news the official Strayhorn Estate LOVED it! It…
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Compare: Incense & Peppermints
Mark Rapp arrangement… Strawberry Alarm Clock original… When Producer Billy Terrell suggested this tune to me I was both bewildered and yet gunning for the challenge. It turned into a very fun and effective arrangement staying true to the vibe and melody then launching into a platform for jazz imrpovisation. It really is an unexpected…
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Compare: Cissy Strut
Mark Rapp’s arrangement… The Funky Meters’ original… I “grew-up” in New Orleans. What I mean is, I earned my Masters in Jazz from the University of New Orleans under the tutelage of Ellis Marsalis and lived, played, worked, breathed and was totally absorbed in everything New Orleans had to offer for the better part of…
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Compare: Packt Like Sardines
TSP’s arrangement… Radiohead’s original… Derek Lee Bronston brought this tune to one of our gigs years ago and it has slowly morphed over the years. Then, when faced with recording “Art of the Song, vol. 1” we took the opportunity to polish it up and present our version. One of the reasons why so many…
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Compare: Circle of Life
Mark Rapp Group’s arrangement… Elton John’s original… Bassist Rene Hart brought in this arrangement for us to record as part of our contribution to the Disney Jazz release (Feb 2011) “Everybody Wants to be a Cat”. Rene and I have played together for years and he knows my vibe and what I most have fun…
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Compare: Spaceman Twist
Our arrangement… Lou Donaldson’s original… This is a blues tune with a fun, running melody and has one of many of Lou’s thoughtful, relaxed and in-the-pocket solos on record. When I first heard Spaceman Twist, I knew I wanted to record it as part of our Good Eats album as it would be a lot…
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Compare: One Cylinder
Our arrangement… Lou Donaldson’s original… We had so much fun exploring the music of Lou Donaldson while digging into his vast catalogue of tunes and ultimately recording nearly a dozen of his gems. Some we purposefully approached historically while others we reinvented and presented our own spicey twists and turns. “One Cylinder” posed particular challenges…
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Compare: Elizabeth
Due to the specific rhythmic flavor of the original, it seemed there was no other way to play it. I wrestled with this one for awhile, but much like our version of One Cylinder, it was only when we came together as a band that this unique and beautiful approach come to life.
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Compare: Brother Soul
This is one of my favorite tracks on our Good Eats record. The vibe of this arrangement is intense, cool, worldly – very hip and funky. And with its myriad of influences – middle-eastern, australian, deep south groove – it expands its reach to encompass a spirit of soul and brotherhood around the globe