Charles Pillow on Unifying Your Composition

Composer and saxophonist Charles Pillow explains how to keep your composition unified using his arrangement of Willie Nelson by Miles Davis alongside other pieces from his new album Electric Miles 2. Visit https://JazzComposersPresent.com to watch full-length livestreams.

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With eight recordings as a leader to his credit, Charles Pillow is one of the premier woodwind instrumentalists/saxophonists of the day. His recordings include "Chamber Jazz” (2020, Summit), “Electric Miles” (2018, MAMA), his large ensemble featuring his arrangements of the music of Miles Davis, which was a top 10 critics pick, “Triocity” (2017, Originarts), “van Gogh Letters” (2010, ELCM), featuring Gary Versace and Jim Ridl, “The Planets” and “Pictures at an Exhibition”, both on Artistshare, “In this World” (2001, Summit) featuring Peter Erskine,and “Currents” (1996, Challenge) featuring Adam Nussbaum and Ben Monder. He has appeared on over 100 CDs of jazz and pop artists such as Brad Mehldau, John Scofield, Michael Brecker, David Liebman, David Sanborn, Jay Z, Paul Simon, Tom Harrell, Joe Henderson, Maria Schneider and Bob Mintzer. In addition to his teaching at the Eastman School of Music, he gives masterclasses and guest appearances throughout the US and abroad.

Website: https://charlespillow.com
Instagram:   / charles_pillow  
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AUDIO CREDITS

Intro: “Chance Encounter”, composed by Daniel Jamieson. Performed by Danjam Orchestra, on the album “Sudden Appearance” (2011) OA2 Records. http://danjam.ca/

Referenced Audio: “Rated X”, composed by Miles Davis, arranged by Charles Pillow. Performed by the Charles Pillow Large Ensemble, on the album “Electric Miles 2” (Summit Records, 2023).
   • Rated X  

Example 1: “Great Expectations”, composed by Miles Davis, arranged by Charles Pillow. Performed by the Charles Pillow Large Ensemble, on the album “Electric Miles 2” (Summit Records, 2023).
   • Great Expectations  

Example 2 & Closing: “Willie Nelson”, composed by Miles Davis, arranged by Charles Pillow. Performed by the Charles Pillow Large Ensemble, on the album “Electric Miles 2” (Summit Records, 2023).
   • Willie Nelson