Jeffrey Kaufman
In late 2021 I was in the process of composing two works, the first a Sonata for Piano and bass instrument, the other a Concerto for a bass instrument and String Orchestra. In February of 2023 I attended a concert of the Imperial Brass New Jersey, which featured Sheona White. Up until this point I had not heard Ms. White’s name, nor had I ever heard solos performed on an Eb Tenor Horn, an instrument of which I was equally ignorant. By the end of the concert and Sheona’s performance I knew that the two works I was in the midst of creating had to be totally revised for Eb Tenor Horn. I sent them to Sheona to see if she might find them of interest. I was so pleased when she responded most enthusiastically.
 
I told her that The Concerto in three movements (entitled ESSAY), might receive a performance in early August. Well, that performance never materialized but I was able to put together a string orchestra in New York for a recording. This recording would include other new works for Eb Tenor Horn by Joseph Turrin and Dorothy Gates.
 
My Sonata would be completed by the time of Sheona’s visit for the recording. I asked her if she would be interested in recording it as well. She said yes. I immediately contacted my good friend and colleague pianist Ron Levy who also enthusiastically agreed.