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Bart Marantz NPR/KERA Jazz Education Interview    Click below to listen to the interview  Click below to read the article 
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 Reviews "Who Knew" By: Matt Harris Instrumentation: Big Band Publisher: Kendor Music, Inc. Grade: 3 1/2 Up Tempo Swing = 220 Matt Harris left the University of Miami with his undergraduate degree and obtained a masters at Eastman, but his arranging chops blossomed on the bands of Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich where he wrote and recorded for each leader. Now based in Los Angeles, Matt has penned another outstanding chart for Kendor, but any director who wants to perform “ Who Knew” should understand that this original is a bop kicker that will take some time to perfect. This chart showcases the whole band in a contemporary post bob setting. The soloists are designated as alto sax, trumpet and the drummer. It is suggested by the composer that ”the drummer try to mix patterns between broken and straight ahead time”. This is only possible if the percussionist has an inherent knowledge of the history and feel of this period. In this original post-bop blues take care to observe dynamic contrast or the piece will loose its punch. Also, due to the suggested up tempo, the tendency will be to pull ahead. So be careful not to rush the eighth notes figures. “Who Knew” is a well-written swing blues that will challenge the band who plays it and the audience who hears it. The constant fast eighth-note figures will keep everyone on the edge of their seat until the very last note. With good lead players in each section and a solid rhythm section this chart will have them on their feet as the last piece of your next concert. Top note for trumpet is written Eb above high C. Last note is written G above high C, but is optional. Bart Marantz
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