Dear Band Leader
Dear Band Leader:
We look forward to your group's performance at our daughter's
wedding. If you don't mind, we have a few requests.
During the reception, please play a Keith Jarrett composition
from his solo series. Arrange it for full ensemble in the key
of B, but nothing in 4/4 please. Then how about Mahavishnu Orchestra's
"Dance of the Maya." It would great if your guitarist
could play John Mclaughlin's solo from the Nov. 16, 1972 live
performance at Chrysler Arena. My wife and I were at that show
and dug his use of polyrhythms. And, for a closer, how about
one of Coltrane's duets with Pharaoh Sanders? I know our guests
will love high register tenor saxes!
Then, right after the toast, a little Stravinsky would be nice.
The Mrs. prefers "The Rite of Spring" at a tempo of
a quarter-note = 94. And transpose it down a minor-third; the
lower register will be much more appropriate for this occasion.
For the candle-lighting ceremony, let's have Zappa's "The
Grand Wazoo." The original key of B flat would be fine
for the instrumentalists, but when my cousin Jeannie starts
to sing the baritone sax solo, modulate to the key of D as her
voice is rather high. When they do the garter removal ceremony,
instead of "The Stripper," play Varese's "Ionization."
It's much more appropriate.
For the couple's first dance, slow things down a notch with
Barber's "Adagio For Strings" instead of "We've
Only Just Begun." And when my wife and I join in, segue
to Monk's "Ruby, My Dear" in honor of my wife's mother,
Ruby. It would mean a lot to her family.
Thanks for your help. Depending on the outcome, we'll recommend
your band to our friends. I'll have your check for the fee of
$1,250 (minus our expenses in contacting you of $12.50) by the
end of next month: we're a little short as the young lady doing
the balloon arch wanted her $2,850 in advance and the DJ had
to be paid his $2,500 up front too.
Our daughter assures us your love of music is greater than your
need for money and that you welcome the exposure you'll get
from playing her wedding. Before you leave, feel free to ask
the caterer for a snack sandwich and a soda (either return the
bottles or pay the deposit to the butler). And use the back
entrance to avoid disturbing our guests.
John and Rose
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