Review

Antonio J. Garcia
Flying:

Greeley, CO, United States
Publisher: UNC Jazz Press
Date of Publication: 2011

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Jazz Material - ensemble
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Antonio J. García holds the Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from the Eastman School of Music. He is a performer, composer/arranger, producer, clinician, educator and author, currently serving as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. Mr. García has performed as trombonist, bass trombonist, or pianist with numerous major artists in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Royal Festival Hall and the Montreux Jazz Festival. He is Associate Jazz Editor for the International Trombone Association Journal, and past editor of the Jazz Education Journal. A prolific composer, his compositions have been published by Kjos, Kendor, Doug Beach, Walrus, UNC Jazz Press, Three-Two Music, and his own company.
 
He provides the following notes for Flying:
Composed for and premiered by my ensemble The 804 Jazz Bones at the Tromblow’in Festival 2012 in Virginia. (Flying is) a jazz waltz in F major, playable by as few as four performers or a larger choir. Everyone gets a piece of the melody at some point. The lead part doesn’t rise above A [a1] above the staff. The provided drum set part is optional. Solo space is provided for Trombones 1, 2, and 3; but the chart performs wonderfully even if no one solos, as the stop-times and riffs make for excellent passages on their own. It can easily be opened up for additional soloists, including non-trombone guests. The title of the work refers to the weightless, gliding feel that I believe this musical work should capture.
 
Although quite traditional, this is an harmonically and melodically sophisticated work, playable by less experienced performers but also musically rewarding for professionals who can take advantage of the optional built in solo opportunities.

-Karl Hinterbichler
University of New Mexico