This was a one-movement work with three discrete sections — the first, a Brazilian rhythm that turned into an allegro dialogue between tuba and orchestra. The second movement, an adagio, allowed me to express my lyric side and try some different orchestral colors to work with the tuba. The third movement is an Afro-Cuban 12/8 rhythm with a big climax and a wry ending. Although I wrote out the cadenzas, Jim added his own improvisational touches to them and to the repeated vamps in the finale. Although the Hollywood Ensemble is technically a “pickup” group, the musicians all know one another and have played together on probably hundreds of occasions, from television and film dates to concert recordings. Many of them are friends of mine; they were extremely fun to work with, and the result speaks for itself. -the composer