The Long Blues Line (2023)

Instrumentation: concert band

Difficulty: Grade 1

Duration: 1’30”

Commissioned by: Cooper Haywood and the Milam Band (Tupelo, Mississippi)

Movements: One movement

Program Note by the composer:  The Long Blues Line was commissioned by the sixth-grade Milam Band (Tupelo, Mississippi) and its conductor Cooper Haywood. In writing the piece, I emphasized the following elements: 1) HISTORY. Mississippi has a storied tradition of excellent blues musicians and this piece is a tribute to that legacy; 2) FORM. This composition is written using a traditional 12-bar blues form with the exception of the introduction and coda; 3) MELODY. The Long Blues Line introduces young musicians to the concept of a "blue" note, in this case A-flat in the key of D minor; 4) HARMONY. This work allows younger musicians to hear chords with added dissonances including sevenths and ninths.

If the optional additional measure is performed, the ensemble will get to experience an advanced jazz chord perhaps for the first time! (D13#9).

The Long Blues Line also includes an optional solo harmonica part that adds a unique sound to the composition.

Score Download: Click here to download the full transposed score

Purchase Parts: Click here to purchase parts for The Long Blues Line