JAZZ SUITE

This Jazz Suite is a result of a true collaboration between two musicians from different backgrounds. It follows on from our book of teaching pieces Homages published in 2022 by Emerson Edition. All the melodies are by Roger Purcell and Nicholas Cox wrote the piano parts and gave the works their first performances on clarinet in Poland and China in 2022/23.

Sure Thing! is a highly syncopated, moto perpetuo Latin piece in D minor with a driving rhythmic energy which should be played exuberantly and with panache.The Tempo you choose should reflect this. Although the 8th notes (quavers) in this movement aren't swung, the music requires plenty of dynamic contrasts, slick Latin accents and punchy articulation to achieve a vibrant musical performance. The articulated perpetuum mobile piano part should be played with clarity and not too much pedal. As the beaming sometimes changes from 2 groups of 3 8th notes(quavers) to 3 groups of 2, it's not always clear whether the time signature should be 3/4 or 6/8, so bring out this contrast when the music allows, particularly in the Coda.

Woozy Blues is a traditional laid-back Blues number which requires a sophisticated approach to Jazz articulation, glissandi and tonal inflections. Although 'Woozy' might imply that the players could be slightly inebriated, the clarinet should feel grounded by the swung 8th notes in the piano and really enjoy the jazz inflections when playing in the instrument's higher register. The movement gives the performer chances to experiment with flutter tonguing in the lower register, glissandi and jazz smears. As with many musical styles and techniques, these are best learnt by example and listening to the best jazz performers.

Cloud Nine (Over the Moon) is a bright, up-tempo number in 2/2 which works best at a real lick. This piece is a challenge for both clarinettist and pianist in playing swung syncopations. The slower, more reflective central section initially returns to straight 8th notes (quavers) before gradually returning to swing again before the reprise of the up-tempo outer section.

The whole piece lasts about 11'30. We hope young players and jazz minded professionals will take this Jazz Suite to their hearts and perform it often!

- Roger Purcell and Nicholas Cox, Manchester 2024

• Sure Thing!
• Woozy Blues
• Cloud Nine (Over the Moon)

Delivery Details

We endeavour to dispatch all orders which are in stock on the day the order has been placed. If you need delivery by a certain time please state this clearly on your order and we will do our best to oblige.

For Royal Mail Special Delivery, Airmail (Signed For) and Courier shipments, a signature may be required upon delivery to your address. You are responsible for your order once the package arrives at the supplied delivery address. We cannot be held responsible if the package(s) goes missing once delivered. If any goods are received faulty or damaged on receipt, you must notify us within 7 days of receiving them (via email or telephone) quoting your order reference. We cannot be held responsible for goods that do not arrive with the customer due to errors made by the customer when entering their address details. Please ensure that you check all your details before confirming your order. For more information on deliveries, please click here.