Brian Dickinson

Music for Jazz Orchestra

1. Gentle Giant Suite: (For Kenny Wheeler), Pt. 1

2. Gentle Giant Suite, Pt. 2: Chorale

4. Gentle Giant Suite, Pt. 3

5. Gil (For Gil Evans)

6. Orion (For Wayne Shorter)

7. Falling

8. Spring Prologue

9. Spring Sprung In

Released: October, 2017 ℗ 2017 Addo Records

This release features lush orchestrations of beautifully crafted compositions with stellar ensemble playing and exciting solos by some of North America’s finest jazz players.

Album Notes

This music was written over a period of several years preceding the recording date. I wrote “The Gentle Giant Suite” quickly, over a two week period after hearing of the loss of (trumpeter/composer/arranger extrodinaire) Kenny Wheeler, in the fall of 2014. He was such a huge inspiration to so many musicians of my generation. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to record and perform with Kenny and I will always cherish those memories.
“Gil” is my thank you to the great Gil Evans. I have learned so much from listening and studying his music. I was fortunate to meet him. We both graduated from New England Conservatory in 1985 (he got an honorary Dotorate). Incidently, both Kenny and Gil were born in Toronto, ON, Canada.
“Orion” was recorded in a quintet version on “The Rhythm Method” (ADDO, AJR033). This version features stallar solos by Luis Deniz and Jeff King.
“Falling” is something I have long played in a trio format. It was recorded on “Fishs Eddy” (ADDO, AJR023) with a trio featuring George Mraz on bass. This version features wonderful solos by Jim Vivian (bass), Sam Dickinson (guitar) and Alastair Kay (trombone).
“Spring Sprung In” closes the album. This is my oldest composition and arrangement on the album. It has been recorded many times in trio, quartet and quintet formats. This version features myself on piano, Brian O’Kane (trumpet) and Jim Vivian (bass).

It was a great experience putting this music together – I hope you enjoy it!

All Compositions & Arrangements by Brian Dickinson (SOCAN), 2017

Brian Dickinson

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