A Night in Tunisia (2023)

(3'+) This take on Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night in Tunisia" for a 16+ player Latin Ensemble was written for the Crane Latin Ensemble in 2023 and premiered in May of that year. It features a bari sax soloist carrying the melody, originally written to be played by Dutton himself. The Crane Latin Ensemble, formed by Dr. Marsha Baxter and now directed by Dr. Peter McCoy, performs Afro-Carribbean jazz, particularly in the style of the many New York-based groups that grew throughout the 20th century. The group's inception saw mentorship from the Mambo Legends orchestra, many of whose members performed in the Tito Puente Orchestra throughout the Mambo King's carreer. This arrangement takes a traditional Latin Jazz tune and translates it into the style of Tito Puente and his contemporaries. With an extended solo section, this arrangement can last anywhere from three minutes to as long as the performers would like.