Michael J.D. Roberts

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Michael J.D. Roberts

Welcome to my collection of jazz compositions and arrangements. I hope you enjoy the music I've written. If you have any questions or requests please e-mail me at michael.roberts@ucl.ac.uk - I am happy to make customised scores (for free) to suit a particular ensemble.

My music is split into two main groups: big band and small band. The small band music comes primarily in the form of leadsheets, so the performers are very much encouraged to interpret the piece. I tend to provide the melody in Bb, Eb, C (tenor) and C (bass), which should cover most of the instruments that are likely to play the music - but do let me know if you need a part on another type of stave!

My big band music is, unsurprisingly, a bit more prescribed. I write for "standard" big band (i.e. 4 x trumpets, 4x trombones, 2x alto sax, 2x tenor sax, baritone sax, piano/bass/drums & optional guitar). When I can, I like to give the rhythm section the freedom to improvise their accompaniments so chords are provided for the rhythm section parts (except, for obvious reasons, drums).

A quick note on the recordings: most of the small band recordings are done using live instruments, but most of the big band recordings are done with MIDI so they don't sound particularly realistic, but should give you a good idea of how the piece sounds.

Once again, thank you for visiting my site and I hope you like my work. Please do get in touch with any feedback you may have!

Most of my work is currently free. If you enjoy my music or use my scores, please consider making a donation here.