Just a closer walk with thee Don Gillis / Arr. Calvin Custer

In diesem Dixieland-Klassiker werden Trompete, Klarinette und Posaune als Solisten in den Vordergrund gestellt. Das traditionelle Straßenbandstück aus New Orleans wird in Amerika meist zu Beerdigungen gespielt und soll den Verstorbenen aus einem tief verwurzelten und mit dem Jazz verbundenen Glauben heraus nach der Trauerfeier fröhlich auf den Weg in sein neues Leben begleiten.

Just a Closer Walk With Thee is a traditional New Orleans street band piece. Characteristically, it would have been played in a solemn funeral procession from the church to the cemetery. Following the slow, dirge-like beginning, the up-tempo rendition beginning in measure 38 represents a happy send-off to a better life. The original melody has been found in hymnals dating as early as 1860. From the earliest roots of Dixieland style, musicians have often impovised on music they knew from attending church services.

In this arrangement based on our popular concert opener, there are short solos for trombone and trumpet beginning in measure 57 and 65. These solos may be played ad lib or as written. Be certain to balance the ensemble background accordingly. You may also wiwh to have the soloists stand during the performance.

Be certain to follow all written articulation and dynamic markings. Once this is accomplished, we think you'll have as much fun playing this piece as the audience will have listening to you perform it. Enjoy!

Besetzungsliste / Instrumentation: