The Little Big Band, under the direction of Auxiliary Adjunct Associate Professor of Jazz and Trumpet Craig Fraedrich, M.M., released a video compilation performance of “Cherokee” arranged by Michael Abene. The video features a solo performance by Fraedrich.
As a general rule, and with the exception of our annual benefit performance at my church when I play one tune, I do not perform with my student groups — these are their bands, not mine. On some occasions though, situations come up. This video has been basically ready to go, minus the solo part, for a couple of weeks now. The plan was, and still is, to post a couple of versions of this featuring different soloists. Alas though, difficulties, (other commitments, audio issues, video issues, 3rd chorus Coltrane changes issues…) has relegated this one incomplete. So, in order to get something posted for our Little Big Band, and as sometimes happens in rehearsals when the soloist is unavailable, I will sit in as a placeholder until our featured soloists have arrived.”
The Little Big Band is a 10-piece group that allows its members to focus on everything from improvisation and big band ensemble techniques to creating group arrangements out of lead sheets. Everyone at some point ends up being a soloist, a section player, a lead player and an arranger. We currently consider this band to be a chamber ensemble of the Jazz Ensemble and have found it to be a great addition. Special thanks to Mike Tomaro for bringing his book to the National Jazz Workshop for the faculty to play, and getting us started here at Shenandoah with some of his charts!”
Craig Fraedrich| Little Big Band Director
As a general rule, and with the exception of our annual benefit performance at my church when I play one tune, I do not perform with my student groups – these are is their bands, not mine. On some occasions though, situations come up. This video has been basically ready to go, minus the solo part, for a couple of weeks now. The plan was, and still is, to post a couple of versions of this featuring different soloists. Alas though, difficulties, (other commitments, audio issues, video issues, 3rd chorus Coltrane changes issues…) has relegated this one incomplete. So, in order to get something posted for our Little Big Band, and as sometimes happens in rehearsals when the soloist is unavailable, I will sit in as a placeholder until our featured soloists have arrived.The Little Big Band is a 10-piece group that allows to focus on everything from improvisation and big band ensemble techniques to creating group arrangements out of a lead sheets. Everyone at some point ends up being a soloist, a section player, a lead player and an arranger. We currently consider this band to be a chamber ensemble of the Jazz Ensemble and have found it to be a great addition. Special thanks to Mike Tomaro for bringing his book to the National Jazz Workshop for the faculty to play, and getting us starting here at Shenandoah with some his charts! This one is an adaption of an arrangement by Michael Abene. Here is our “preview” version of the Little Big Band playing “Cherokee”.
Posted by Craig Fraedrich on Tuesday, March 31, 2020
