CONCERTO FOR DOUBLE BASS was written for Jim Beidel and was first performed by the Seattle Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra with Jim as soloist in Seattle in the Spring of 1978.  It was also taken up by John Casey who, during the late 1970's was Associate Principal Bass with the Phoenix Symphony.  He has performed it many times in the years since.

This work was my first attempt at creating a serious work from a transcribed keyboard improvisation.  (Three improvisations, actually.)  The improvisations, taken from a collection I refer to as Session '77, are some of my first real serious efforts at free improvisation, and are unabashedly influenced by the work of Keith Jarrett.  

The work has always been special to me because it is so tirelessly happy and optimistic.  I am a professional double bassist, and the work is not real easy to play, but it does lie very well.  The accompaniment can be tricky, especially the piano version, but it is always a lot of fun.

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