This is a driving western rock tune, with the baritone guitar reminiscent of the spaghetti western movies of the 1960’s, combined with the brassy sound of a ‘70’s action TV show theme. Dig the guitar and sax solos.

A funk song with guitar lead supported by some cool horn lines (thanks, Brad). Note the “angry” sax solo by Justin and the tribute to Fred Wesley on the outro.

Dedicated to my late loving, saucy, super-intelligent, loyal, rescue dog. I miss her. Flugelhorn carries the melody, with guitar leading the bridge sections and a supporting trombone choir. There are bright waltz time shifts. This is an ensemble piece with no improv solos.

I envisioned this as a bossa nova with a tenor sax lead providing a nod to Stan Getz, and with supporting trombone on the melody. I was influenced by Curtis Fuller’s and Urbie Green’s work with Antonio Carlos Jobim for the trombone parts.

I grew up and still live in the Green Country region of Oklahoma; a beautiful area where the Ozark Mountains meet the Tallgrass Prairie. Unfortunately, it is also in Tornado Alley. For this song, I tried to emphasize the positive, and Brad and I arranged it a little light, with piano, muted brass, vibes, and woodwinds carrying the tune and soloing.

Bullet Mountain is a prominent “mountain” overlooking Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma. This is a bebop tune written for a bluegrass string band with Shelby Eicher featured on fiddle and mandolin. Brad adds a tasteful piano solo.

I was striving for an understated piano, bass and drums trio tune. Brad, Nathan, and Greg interpreted this work with aplomb. I greatly appreciate their artistry.

Slide Hampton turned me on to the gospel jazz style. His compositions and recordings inspired me to write this. This is an ensemble horn and rhythm piece, with solo messages on Hammond B3 organ, alto, and trombone, and trombone intro and outro cadenzas.

The beautyberry bush is native to Green Country, Oklahoma. Audubon identified it as the American Beautyberry. I found that it produces exquisite jelly and decent wine. When composing this, I was influenced by the late, great Chick Corea. Justin, Greg and Brad cook on this one.