Entry #2: Autumn Leaves & Beatbox Breakdown

Autumn Leaves

The second song on Billy May’s Big Fat Brass album, Autumn Leaves. One of the most standard of standards in jazz, Autumn Leaves, is the English-language lyrical adaptation of the French song "Les Feuilles mortes" ("The Dead Leaves") composed by Joseph Kosma in 1945. The original lyrics were written by Jacques Prévert in French, and in 1950 Johnny Mercer wrote the English lyrics. This particular arrangement for brass and percussion was arranged by… well we do not actually know, though one may assume it could have been Billy May himself.

Beatbox and Breakdown

Now, Beatbox and Breakdown, what on earth do I mean by that? In class recently, we listened to a few groups: de Blechauf’n, Broken Brass Ensemble, and the Haggis Horns. These groups mix jazz, vocals, New Orleans style brass band, funk, soul and many other different style. A different genre and path than your typical brass ensemble music, but an extremely fun and enjoyable listen.

de Blechauf’n

Broken Brass Ensemble

The Haggis Horns

A particular favorite of mine was from the Broken Brass Ensemble, two tracks titled The Strange and The Unusual and the Unknown, though they are performed as one continuous piece. 

These were incredible groups and created such a unique listening experience. With my own listening presentation coming soon, how can I compete with this playlist? You’ll have to wait and see!

-Jacob