Steve Slagle

In the Land of Ephesus

Uptempo even eighth piece, arranged for SATB saxophone quartet by the musical director and arranger of the Mingus Big Band. Medium advanced While on a concert tour Joe Lovano visited the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey. He was so moved by its powerful ambience that it inspired him to write this piece. Joe and Steve have been friends since their early years at the Berklee College of Music, and after playing Land of Ephesus together in a two tenor setting, Steve decided to expand it for saxophone quartet. Medium advancedThe melody is very angular (kind of Dolphy-ish), and the harmonies are unusual, since they are not based on traditional chord voicings. This chart sounds best played fast and light, but can work well even at a medium tempo. Play this tune with a funky, gritty, earthy quality and you'll have fun grooving on it. For a recorded version with Joe Lovano and Joshua Redman, check out Joe Lovano: Blue Note, CDP7243 8 27014 2 2. Medium advanced