Machine Shop was written for trombonist Dave Cooper. Many years ago when I was in high school I worked with Dave at a mall which has since been torn down. Dave was one of the first people to get me interested in jazz recordings and even played some Aebersold play-a-longs with me before I had any idea what I was doing.

Over the years, Dave has always been very helpful to my musical career. I can barely count the number of times he has brought his trombone out to play or work with students. It was a lot of fun to write this piece and give him a chance to open up on an improv solo.

The recorded background track in this example happens to use Logic Pro X. I’ve included an audio file (which has no repeats) and the Logic Pro X project, should you wish to use the app in live performance.

Contact me with any questions about the technology. The solo can even be reworked for a different instrument if you’re so inclined.

Program notes:
Metalworking is the process of working with metals to create individual parts, assemblies, or large-scale structures.

Metalworking is a science, art, hobby, industry, and trade. Its historical roots span cultures, civilizations, and millennia.

Today’s machine shop includes a number of machine tools capable of creating a precise, useful workpiece.

The machine tool featured in this composition is the trombone. As always, but especially when using a trombone to improvise, safety first. Please wear your safety glasses.