Over the Rainbow What is the appeal of Harold Arlen’s 1939 masterpiece that makes it so utterly irresistible to improvisers? Perhaps it’s the piece’s relatively simple harmonic structure and conventional AABA form supporting a wonderfully complex melodic line, heralded by that initial octave leap. This solo rendition attempts to explore various interpretations – from a free rubato presentation of the song, to a stride-influenced statement to a bopish improvisation. Quoting the sweetly innocent "If I Only Had a Brain" in the coda, adds a quiet, bittersweet touch.

  Bud Powell We chose to open "Venturing Forth" with a piece by the contemporary pianist/composer Chick Corea – his fitting tribute to bebop’s tortured genius, Bud Powell. Corea’s piece in F major mirrors many of the compositional idiosyncrasies of Powell’s compositions within its convoluted ABCDA form. It movies gracefully from a 2-beat feel, to straight-ahead swing, to Latin (a six-bar phrase), before returning the way it came, from swing to a 2-feel. Devilish.