by Walter S. Hartley
Album Title: EVOLUTIONS:MUSIC FOR TENOR SAXOPHONE AND WINDS
Recording: Florida Gulf Coast University Wind Orchestra
Conductor: Dr. Timothy Yontz
Soloist: James Houlik, tenor saxophone
Publisher: MARK 54344-MCD Purchase
James Houlik is widely known as a true master of the tenor saxophone and you will definitely appreciate the instrument’s versatility and richness in his performance. Concertino for Tenor Saxophone and Wind Ensemble was composed by Walter S. Hartley; a very prolific composer with many saxophone works to his credit. The Upward Stream (Russell Peck) was originally written for tenor saxophone and orchestra; the composer’s widow approved the band transcription by Scott Anthony Jones. Excursion to Blacksburg (Robert Leist) is a joint commission between the composer and the Blacksburg Virginia High School Band. Ballad and Allegro by Ronald Follas is a solid feature work that can also be accessible to a student soloist. Pandean Fable (Clifton Williams) was originally a bass flute solo with band however Houlik and Williams did collaborate on the setting with tenor saxophone. A most interesting recording you will enjoy.
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