One of my favorite genre of video is the one where an artist pulls physical media from a library and talks about the art that inspires them — you know, like the Criterion Collection Closet Picks. So I was absolutely thrilled to participate in the Nonesuch Records version of this, Nonesuch Selects.
Music Preparation Resources
I have released the latest edition of my handout on Music Preparation Fundamentals for Jazz Composers & Arrangers.
Darcy James Argue wins Arranger of the Year in DownBeat Poll
I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I have won Arranger of the Year in DownBeat Magazine’s 72nd Annual Critics Poll!
Darcy James Argue wins Arranger of the Year in DownBeat PollRead More
Darcy James Argue appointed Composer-in-Residence of the Frankfurt Radio Big Band
I have some big news I’m thrilled to share: I have been appointed the new Composer in Residence for the Frankfurt Radio Big Band.
Darcy James Argue appointed Composer-in-Residence of the Frankfurt Radio Big BandRead More
DMT Inspirations: Alan Turing
Alan Turing was born this day, June 23, in 1912. The composition I wrote in tribute to him, “Codebreaker,” opens Disc 2 of Dynamic Maximum Tension.
Darcy James Argue wins Arranger of the Year at the 2024 JJA Jazz Awards
I’m thrilled to announce that I have been awarded the 2024 Jazz Journalists Association Award for Arranger of the Year!
Darcy James Argue wins Arranger of the Year at the 2024 JJA Jazz AwardsRead More
DMT Inspirations: Duke Ellington
April 29th marks Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday.
I am certain of few things in this life, but I am certain of this: Duke Ellington is the greatest American composer, and it’s not particularly close.
World premiere: orchestral arrangements featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant
The world premiere of my orchestral arrangements of Cecile McLorin Salvant’s desert island ballads, beautifully rendered by Cecile, Sullivan Fortner, David Wong, Kush Abadey, and Orchestre national d’Île-de-France under the wonderful direction of maestro Bastien Stil, takes place on Saturday, April 20 at the Paris Philharmonie’s Cité de la Musique.
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DMT Inspirations: Bob Brookmeyer
Happy Birthday, Bob Brookmeyer!
Here’s a picture I took at his 80th birthday celebration at the Eastman School of Music. Bob was my compositional mentor and remains an eternal inspiration. I miss him dearly.
![GRAMMY NOMINEE Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society: Dynamic Maximum Tension Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album THE BEST JAZZ ALBUMS OF 2023 “A work of stunning eclecticism and complexity, but thoroughly accessible, elastic with swing.” — Slate THE 10 BEST JAZZ ALBUMS OF 2023 “Simply some of the most exciting music being made right now […] it’s breathtaking to listen to.” — Stereogum THE BEST JAZZ ALBUMS OF 2023 “His latest may just be his best. Argue has a crack band of long-standing and a sensibility that is his own.” — PopMatters THE 50 BEST ALBUMS OF 2023 “Practically explodes with big ideas […] a double album that reinvigorates the big-band tradition with a modern metabolism.” — NPR](https://darcyjamesargue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DMT-GRAMMY-Nomination-Banner-FYC-1024x576.png)
Dynamic Maximum Tension Honored on Best of the Year Lists
I’ve been blown away by the year-end accolades for Dynamic Maximum Tension. In addition to our GRAMMY nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album, our album has been named to Best of the Year lists by NPR, Slate, Stereogum, PopMatters, and JazzTrail.
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