The project, “America at 250,” celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Sam Butler and Garrett Fasig, the 2022 and 2023 winners of the Hoagy Carmichael Award for Excellence in Jazz Composition and co-arrangers of the critically acclaimed Across the Field: Great Fight Songs Reimagined recording, have been commissioned to write jazz arrangements of great American songs which span multiple genres and tell stories about the Great American Experiment, the “last best hope of earth” (A. Lincoln).
Most of the songs were initially popular within their own genres and then were adopted by many others with all becoming part of America’s musical melting pot. While a few traditional patriotic songs will feature, additional American classics such as Country Roads, Goin’ Home (derived from the 2nd movement of Dvorak’s New World Symphony), and Dolly Parton‘s Coat of Many Colors join the song list. In addition, a few “story songs” are included such as The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald and Ghost Riders in the Sky. The full roster will include 10-12 songs.
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On-line donations may be made on the Brent Wallarab Projects donation page. Select “America at 250” in the “My donation is for” toggle.
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