Original Compositions

With original compositions, there's more freedom in my writing, of course, and ususally more of a challenge, because it involves starting with a blank slate, which can be daunting. Vocal jazz directors are understandably less likely to program an original by an arranger than an arrangement of a recognizable song.  However, charts like these can provide a truly fresh sound to a group's program and help give them their own identity.

Song for the Traveler - (III)
Pat Metheny-style modal wordless vocal

Pale Blue Dot: Part 1 - We Live Here - (V)

Pale Blue Dot: Part 2 - Sacred Black (V)

Pale Blue Dot: Part 3 - When the Night is New (V)

Pale Blue Dot: Part 4 - Wanderers (V)

The Closer - (IV)
Interesting harmonic motion, wordless, uplifting ending

Lee's Summit - (IV)
Pat Metheny wordless tribute, similar to "Minuano" and "First Circle" in vibe

Lost at Sea - (V)
Julia Dollison original ballad from Observatory, with lyric

Never So In Love - (IV)
Lush chords, with lyric improv solo on a Neruda sonnet

Strange New World - (IV)
Complex pop-style, lyric tells story of struggle and recovery

In This Time - (III)
Floating, ambient style, with lyric paying homage to science and the search for knowledge.