Shorty's Gone Crawfishin'

This swinging tune for string orchestra and rhythm section is dedicated to the composer's 80 year old father, who would rather be in the Louisiana swamp crawfishin' than just about anywhere else. The tune begins with a fun, simple blues melody that gains steam with harmonization and piano comping on the repeat. Authentic jazz harmonies and rhythmic figures give students a chance to feel swing and stylistic phrasing. Players get a chance to play solos (or solis) that are written, or they may improvise. Chords are provided in the solo and rhythm parts to allow students a chance to step-out of the notes and into the music. After the solos, the entire ensemble plays a chorus of big band style shout chorus which leads to the final playing of the melody.