Spain - Chick Corea / Paul Jennings [ 2018 Jazz In The Woods ]

“Spain”
Composer: Chick Corea (1973)
Arranged by: Paul Jennings (1982)
Performed by the Columbia Big Band
Director: Robert Miller
Columbia Bands, Inc.
Performed: April 28, 2018
Concert Playlist:    • CBB: April 28, 2018 - Jazz In The Woods  

Howard County is fortunate to have a robust and longstanding Performing Arts program in the local school system, including many student Jazz ensembles. Following the completion of the Chrysalis stage in Symphony Woods, the Howard County Public School System started an annual showcase of these bands called Jazz In The Woods, and in 2018 they invited the Columbia Big Band to perform as a recognition that music doesn’t end after graduation. The band got to play a short set, featuring a handful of our most recognizable and challenging tunes.

Pianist and composer Chick Corea reflects a different strain of midcentury Jazz than featured elsewhere in the concert. As originally composed and appearing on his album “Light as a Feather”, “Spain” was performed by a quintet of Piano, Bass, Flute, and two Percussionists, leaning in a very clearly Latin-Jazz Fusion small-ensemble direction. Paul Jennings has rearranged the tune here for a full Big Band, and expanded the solo sections; unusually for CBB, this selection retains and features a Flute.

Setlist:
Satin Doll - Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, & Johnny Mercer (1958) / Arr. by Sammy Nestico (1981)
Country Road - James Taylor (1969) / Arr. by Kenny Wheeler (1971)
Spain - Chick Corea (1973) / Arr. by Paul Jennings (1982)
The Jazz Police - Gordon Goodwin (2004)

The Columbia Big Band (CBB) is an ensemble formed in October 2015. Our repertoire covers genres such as traditional Big Band, Bebop, Fusion, Swing and Latin, among others. We are members of the community who enjoy performing for all audiences. Though some members play and teach music professionally, the members are volunteers employed in a wide variety of professions who share a love of music. CBB is one of several bands within the Columbia Bands non-profit organization. The Columbia Big Band hopes to bring the enjoyment of big band music to a wide audience. We look forward to seeing you at our concerts!