This piece is a tribute to three great composers: The first movement is written in the style of Duke Ellington. The orchestration is colorful. The rhythm and melody are typically African—that is, wilder, less “soft.” This movement can be performed separately, for example as an introduction to a light music concert.

The second movement is “Count Basie” (Lil'Darling). The same rhythmic structure, the same carefree melodic spirit. I imagined taking a walk with this melody in my head, then c...