Jayson Mackie was born in Cardiff in 1975 and studied recorder, flute and piano as a child, later adding saxophone. Composing from an early age, Jayson’s ‘Jazz Suite’ was published by Spartan Press when he was aged just 16. He was the first person to ever study composition as a principal study at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) as an undergraduate from 1997-2000, then MMus from 2002-2004. Awarded a first and a distinction in composition respectively. He was awarded the Eirwen Thomas prize in 1998 and 1999 and taught composition at the RWCMD from 2005-2010.
Jayson Mackie’s works are published by Clifton Edition, Warwick Music, Peacock Press and Oriana Publications.
Tropical Treats by Jayson Mackie is a fun suite of four Latin-American dances. As with all Latin music, strict attention needs to be given to…
Tropical Treats by Jayson Mackie is a fun suite of four Latin-American dances. As with all Latin music, strict attention needs to be given to achieving complete rhythmic accuracy, security at speed, and neat articulation.
1. Sunshine Samba
A bright opener with a catchy happy tune and having a ‘Rhythm Section’ style of accompaniment. Keep it light and zippy so that audiences will want to hear it again, and again!
2. Tropical Tango
A more serious but sensual depiction of this bold and fiery dance.
Play very expressively, perhaps with slightly exaggerated dynamics.
Imagine, if you can, being over 18 and in an Argentinian bar with a glass of red wine, watching a couple demonstrating this passionate, dynamic dance.
3. Beach Bossa
Now for another Summer-filled piece like the opener, with an optimistic tune over a rhythm section. This one, however, also has a counter-melody which adds depth as long as it is not allowed to overshadow the main tune. Listen carefully to each other to achieve the required balance here .
4. Romantic Rumba
The Rumba is known as the ‘dance of love, so play it with your best cantabile (voicelike) tone while keeping the accompanying rhythm ticking gently in the background like a pair of claves (hardwood sticks which always earn their keep in every Latin rhythm section).
J.M.
Previously published by Cascade Music (CM92) as ‘Brazilian Jaunt’.