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(Would Ya) Giz It (Manuscript)

hamilton_james100 '(Would Ya) Giz It' was the winning composition by James Hamilton in the big band category of the Jazzorg/Worshipful Company of Musicians 2008 competition. Belfast born composer and trumpet player James Hamilton started his jazz education in the ranks of the Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra, run by band leader and trumpet tutor Ken Jordan. From there he moved to Leeds to study for a BA in Jazz Studies at Leeds College of Music, where he had the privilege to study under tutors Simon Barnes, Al Wood, Tony Faulkner, Trevor Vincent, Graham Hearn and Mark Donlon. He already has a significant performing record under his belt, having shared the stage with some of Britains finest jazz musicians including Tina May, John Dankworth, Bruce Adams, Alan Barnes, Gerard Presencer, Issie Barratt, Mike Gibbs and Dennis Rollins. Some of his compositions and arrangements are already being recorded and you can see some fine examples of his work at his [myspace link]

James's experience from youth big bands through to his current studies and performance show in this remarkable composition '(Would Ya) Giz It'. Melody harmonies containing a couple of minor seconds and an invitation in collective improvisation to 'descend into chaos' are a measure of his confidence, which we hope can be controlled by your leader! Frank Griffith's judging comment was: 'This is a very successful uplifting and spirited piece that contains a convincing groove and engaging melodies. It exercises an intelligent use of solo space and a fluent use and knowledge of harmony. The 2-part writing also scores and serves as an effective tension-building device. Well done.'
Tim Garland, the other judge in the competition, wrote:
'This arrangement is mature, with a real idea of the 'spaces-to-leave' to get the best out of the musicians. Whilst it does this, it is also a really catchy, up-beat piece with interesting counterpoint and harmonic ingenuity that makes good use of all the instruments. I look forward to hearing more from young James!'

James is currently studying for an MA in Jazz composition at Leeds College of Music. Make a note of his name and stay in touch with his myspace website - we think that there is a lot more good jazz to come from him.

Downloads
Only 3 sample pages of James's composition (from the alto, trumpet and trombone parts) are displayed on your monitor and you can get a full pdf download of all the parts and a 'conductor score' by clicking [this link]
A download of the full MP3 audio version of the composition, played by the James Hamilton Big Band, is also available by clicking [this link]

Downloading of copies of the music manuscript are subject to the Jazzorg Licence 2, described under the 'Copyright' menu tab. You can discuss or comment on this piece in the forums.

Click on the player buttons to hear a sample of this piece. Remember, you can download the full track and the full notation!

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