Composer
For Guitar and Violoncello
I was inspired to compose for this duo of instruments after practicing with Jill for my own guitar exam. In When the Day Ends the Cello and Guitar trade melodies and accompany each other using arpeggiated triads. In a contrasting section, the guitar plays chords over the cello’s bass line. The melodies return as well as the chords for the coda.
Jill Hirsh, Violoncello
Christopher Mann, Guitar
For Jazz Quintet
In “Une Chanson Pour la Pluie”, I reflect on my attempt at starting a second career as a musician. I wrote my own lyrics in French.
Stuart Blackie, Drums
Daniel Cavazos, Bass
Arnie Co, Piano
Andre Gueziec, Guitar
Tori Paul, Alto
For Flute, Guitar and Violoncello
My composition titled “In The Spring” was a finalist at the Black Cedar 2018 composition competition. Here it is interpreted by Black Cedar’s Kris Palmer on Flute, Christopher Mann on Guitar and Katie Youn on Violoncello.
The flute and the cello take turns at a melody while the guitar provides a steady accompaniment evoking a stream. The guitar then sounds a slow modal tune while a syncopated rhythm is driven by the cello and flute. The guitar, which started the piece, also has the last word.
In collaboration with Black Cedar Music
www.blackcedar.biz/repertoire/
Kris Palmer, Flute
Christopher Mann, Guitar
Katie Youn, Cello
For Banjo Solo
Animation by Mackenzie Goff and original music by Andre Gueziec
I wrote a banjo tune to capture the mood of the animation and its changing from being nostalgic to hopeful and happy.
For Saxophone Quartet
I wrote “An Evening Out” after a lovely outing listening to a concert of the San Francisco Symphony inspired me to compose. This piece is in two movements: I. Soft and Expressive, II, Graceful and Pretty. Movement I introduces a melody with the tenor saxophone that is traded between instruments and played as a chorale with a lush timbre. The second movement introduces new material, as an homage to J. Brahms, and reinforces the melody from I.
An Evening Out is approximately 10 minutes long, and is dedicated to The Zēlos Saxophone Quartet.