(From an interview with Armand Boatman, December 2006.)
“Let me tell you about my piano-cello arrangements. I have always had a love of the cello; its tremendous range and color; its place in the string family.
“One day I felt the inspiration to write a jazz composition for the cello… literature for piano and cello together… as a musical setting for receptions, parties, and public events. I was struck by the uniqueness of this combination of instruments in modern jazz… it is rarely seen, especially in playing standards.
“My challenge was in finding a cello player who could improvise. The traditional training emphasizes a more rigorous approach than what I had in mind. After a few false starts, I found the perfect answer was to create a series of improvisations, which a good cellist could either use as written, or could use as a basis for further embellishments.
“With that in mind, I have created a whole collection of tunes — from Broadway with a jazz flavor, to Bossanova, to jazz swing, to jazz waltzes. There over a hundred, each with an individual flair beyond their usual Standards rendition… designed for piano improvisation, showing a walk-line for the cello during those piano improvs. Accomplished cellists can likewise see where I suggest cello improvisations with a piano accompaniment. And even if you play what I have arranged, you will find each piece has been re-harmonized for the piano - cello combination.
“In other words, I have charted a new roadmap through these well-traveled songs, which you can use to bring your personal flavor to them. I expect that some of you will use these as a foundation for additional parts like bass and drum… and I hope you will find these perfect for your use at social events, receptions, parties, or even your concerts.”
