Scenes for Trumpet and Orchestra © (~2:05)
• This piece was premiered in 2004 by the University of Northern Colorado Orchestra, featuring my former teacher, William Pfund in the soloist’s role. I’m using the MIDI version here because I prefer its tempo and the clarity and accuracy of the orchestral parts.
String Quartet No. 1- 1st Movement © (~1:08)
•This composition was premiered in April 2009 at the Playground Ensemble’s annual Colorado Composers Concert, although it is the MIDI version that is presented here. Another movement from this same quartet was just premiered at the 2011 Colorado Composers Concert in April.
http://www.playgroundensemble.org
I believe my interest in modern classical music began during childhood after hearing Igor Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” in the Disney movie, “Fantasia.” Even after seriously immersing myself in the world of jazz for many years, film music continued to draw my interest and attention to 20th century composers like John Corigliano and Gyorgy Ligeti. This not only influenced my jazz writing (as on my CD “Hats”), but also inspired me to finally enter that special world of pure composition. All of the examples on this site were recorded in my home studio.
The first two audio clips from my CD, “Hats” (1998), are more jazz oriented and feature improvised solos on trumpet and piano. “Hats” was awarded a “Top Ten Recording of 1998” in Cadence Magazine’s Annual Critics’ Poll. To purchase this CD you can contact me or visit:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/bggroup (which also has more audio clips).
In A Minute © (~1:59)
• a trumpet solo over a live/MIDI orchestra showing my admiration of Miles Davis’ collaboration with Gil Evans.
Say It Well © (~2:05)
• a salsa tune featuring solo piano. After twenty plus years with the band Conjunto Colores a piece like this was inevitable.
“Hats” Personnel
Bob Gillis: Trumpet, Piano, MIDI Orchestra
Alan Aluisi: Drums, Percussion and Drumwheel ®
Chuck Schneider: Tenor and Soprano Saxes, Clarinet and Bass Clarinet
Bob Underwood: Acoustic and Electric Basses
Mark Miller: Flute and Alto Flute
Gary Sosias: Bongo and Conga (Say It Well only)
Chris Walters: Trumpet (Say It Well only)
Rick Peron: Trumpet (Say It Well only)
Wade Sander: Trombone (Say It Well only)
