Holy Smokes - Nick Costa
I was asked in 2023 by my good friend Nick Costa to arrange and orchestrate some tracks on his new album, ranging from a violin, mandolin, and accordion trio to a sweeping string orchestra.
This track, “Holy Smokes” is one of my favorites. This is a self-mix I did with the string levels brought up for demonstration purposes. Check out the full album at:
Arranged for string quartet, performed by:
Nick Costa - Guitar, Piano
Devan Moran - Violin
Jillian Rae - Violin
Sam Bergman - Viola
Dan Lawonn - Cello
Selections from “It’s-A-Me! The Musical”
This project was really a chance to stretch my musical legs, including everything from reggae to 80s power ballads to epic orchestral scoring. This musical loosely follows the plot of the 1991 movie “Super Mario Brothers”, in which the heroic brothers Luigi and Mario rescue Princess Daisy from the vile King Bowser. The original composer for the show was no longer involved, so I was brought in to create the tracks from lead sheets and had pretty much free reign in making changes.
After two short but successful runs, the cast met in August of 2024 to make a cast recording, which I engineered and mixed.
MIDI mock-up performance tracks featuring vocal performances by Lowell Rice, Jennifer Rathsack, Christian LaBissoniere, Jenny Reierson-Naumann, James Ehlenz, Erin Deegan, John Naumann, and Bryn Tanner. Provided courtesy of Albino Squirrel Productions.
“Condon’s Frolics / The Eavesdropper” as performed by Loreweavers
One of my projects is Loreweavers, an eclectic folk/movie/video game group often referred to as “A Ren Faire band on steroids”, released an EP of favorite tavern songs called “Huzzah!” in 2024.
This track is a set of traditional Irish jigs which I arranged, recorded, mixed, and mastered.
Irish jigs performed by:
Alfonso Loreweaver - Bodhran drum
Bramfort the Brave - Uillean Pipes
Randolph the Drunk - Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin
The Great Borotan - Bass
Mal’Grub - Cajon drum
Lord Edwyn of Greymist - Accordion
Theme from “Sausalito”
An original composition for a fictional television show. Probably about the ocean. Maybe about crime. Use your imagination!
Arranged for contemporary big band ensemble, MIDI mock-up featuring live electric guitar performed by the composer.
“Heaven On Their Minds” from Jesus Christ Superstar
Some friends and I had the idea to do our own cast recording of selections from Jesus Christ Superstar. I couldn’t tell you why we were compelled to do this, but I’m pleased with how it turned out.
MIDI mock-up for 36-piece orchestra, featuring:
Matthew Polum - Judas
Seth Duin - Electric guitar
Trevor Woggon - Bass, electric guitar, mixing and mastering.
The Death of Falstaff - William Walton
I first performed this piece in college and was immediately blown away by it. Written for string orchestra, it revolves around a somber “ground bass” pattern that repeats throughout the piece. The density and emotion in the arrangement are unforgettable, and I thought it would be a fitting vehicle to put some of my string libraries to the test.
MIDI mock-up for string orchestra