It’s not every day that reading the local paper sparks a full-blown jazz composition, but that’s exactly how Swing, Amherst, Swing was born. I was flipping through the Daily Hampshire Gazette when I came across a piece that really lit a spark: "Around Amherst". It wasn’t just the usual roundup—it was a love letter to our town’s heartbeat. The article celebrated the very best of Amherst: Fred Tillis' enduring musical legacy, the iconic Giant Book Sale, and the floral charm brought to life by the FA2 volunteers. As a lifelong musician and proud member of the Pioneer Valley community, I knew I had to find a way to capture that spirit—and for me, that way is always through music.
Building the Song
Right away, I heard it in my head: an upbeat, big band jazz tune pulsing with gospel energy, full brass harmonies, and a soulful female lead belting out the joy of small-town pride. Picture a packed town common, the scent of summer flowers on the breeze, kids laughing, books stacked high, and music filling the air—that’s the feeling I wanted to bottle in this song.
The song came together with the classic big band palette in mind: punchy brass, a full saxophone section, grooving piano, upright bass, and drums keeping it all swinging at 160 BPM. I even wrote a spot for a sax solo and a signature brass call-and-response moment, giving it that authentic, toe-tapping, head-nodding energy.
But here’s the catch: I don’t exactly have a 17-piece jazz orchestra hanging around my living room. So, like many independent musicians these days, I leaned on technology to bring this vision to life. The entire instrumentation was performed using synthesizers and keyboards, painstakingly programmed to emulate the rich, organic sound of a live big band.
Getting the Sound Right
This wasn’t just a quick MIDI project. I collaborate with a team of engineers and producers to make sure the sound holds up—especially for a project like this, where authenticity is everything. We layered, tweaked, EQ’d, and mixed until those brass hits popped and the drums swung just right. It’s all about crafting that old-school, dance hall magic, even if the tools are modern.
And, of course, the centerpiece of the track is the powerful, gospel-infused female vocalist. Her soulful delivery gives the song its heart—the same heart that beats in every community volunteer, book sale organizer, music lover, and flower-planting neighbor in Amherst.
Honoring a Legacy
More than anything, this track is a tribute. To Fred Tillis, whose music and leadership shaped generations in this town. To the volunteers, teachers, organizers, and everyday folks who make Amherst more than just a place on the map—it’s a living, breathing community.
Swing, Amherst, Swing is my musical postcard to the place I call home. I hope it brings a little extra bounce to your step and reminds you of the beauty that happens when a community comes together—whether it's over jazz, books, flowers, or shared dreams.
You can give it a listen here: https://tinyurl.com/AmherstSwing
Keep Swingin', Amherst.