Piece Of Cake, A

Paul Merrill, director of the Cornell University Jazz Ensemble (Ithaca, NY), commissioned this engaging bossa nova original for proficient groups. Don't let the title fool you, though, because there's an abundance of subtle, yet challenging material here requiring a mature approach from the ensemble. The melody is based on a simple four-note motif played by Miles Davis on his album Tutu. Brown later adapted this score for small-group and recorded it on his CD Night Waves (Brown Cats Productions/BC9501). Guitar, tenor sax, and flugelhorn are featured in melodic and solo roles. Duration 5:35