Hazel Leach : Composer
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Bigband
Mabel's Birthday
I wrote this for the United Women's Orchestra in 1995, and It was recorded
on the first CD in 1996. The title didn't become definitive until '96-
the year I celebrated my 40th birthday. Why "Mabel"? .. now that's a very
long story, only fit for after-hours bar conversations. What I can admit
to it Kenny Wheeler's influence: several of his pieces refer to his sister
Mabel and I "borrowed" a set of his changes. Luckily, he didn't recognise
them himself, so I guess my Mabel-disguise is complete.
The theme is short, but is 2-part. The piece is a long build-up
from beginning to end, with an open improvised duet section and space for
a sax solo (or more) over the infamous changes. I'm including .pdf
and mp3 files of the basic theme and a pdf file with the last few pages
of the score.
Original line-up: ss, as, 2ts, bs, bcl. 4 tp, 3 tb, tba, pn, bs, dm.
Length: 5 minutes
This piece has been performed by several bands, which means that on
top of a version for a 'normal' line-up (without the extra bass clarinet,
bass trombone instead of tuba) there are also parts for guitar and vocals.
There are also versions for string quartet and septet (tp,ss,ts,tb, rhythm
section). These last two are titled "Third Party", just to add to the confusion.
Information about ordering the music can be found on the "contact" page-
see link above.
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