Lights and Smoke: for Wind Ensemble

“A musician named Gawvi once said that all music is lights and smoke; it is ethereal. Music becomes a play of the bright and mysterious to take us away from reality for a small time. Gawvi was referring to the bright lights and smoke machines that accompany many popular and hip-hop concerts and make music an experience for all senses. Growing up in Atlanta, I was raised on hip-hop, R&B, and Gospel music. Those genres are a major influence on how I listen to and appreciate music. While the classical concert hall does not usually bring to mind bright lights and smoke-filled stages, it does have the ability to transcend reality. Together, elements from hip hop and classical music combine to form Lights and Smoke, written for wind ensemble.”