Description

Recorded as the title piece on Concert in the Garden, this work exhibits a little bit of Brazilian influence that came into my music in this period. It was commissioned by Hunter College in New York City. I put myself through angst writing this right up to the recording, and I stayed up almost all night finishing it during the session. Thank goodness Bob Brookmeyer showed up to the recording and helped me solve a nagging issue right there on the spot. The piece has quite a lot of intricate and fast moving lines and unusual solo sections. This piece is special to me for many reasons, but maybe the biggest reason is that with this piece, I started writing for accordion. Specifically, I started writing for Gary Versace, and many years later, I haven't stopped. It's become a very important part of the band's sound.

I also remember that upon starting this piece, I'd lost my first sketch of my ideas – for months! I was just devastated. I'd felt the ideas on the sketch were really worth pursuing, but couldn't recall it and the sketch was hopelessly lost. I mentioned it one day to my mother, and she immediately said she'd pray to Saint Anthony that I'd find it. Well, heck, if it didn't show up the next day! Mom has friends in the right places.

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