The original score work, “Beginner’s Suite”, was a true collaboration, mostly between Dave Palmer and Roger Niell, with Brian Reitzel. I remember trying to get something with the romanticism and dreaminess of a George Delarues score, but building it with the more simple notes and harmonies of Jelly Roll Morton’s “Buddy Bertrand’s Blues”. I don’t know if this really made any sense to Dave and Roger, but it’s a great experience watching them try things, taking turns on the piano, each suggesting this note not that one, a real transformative blend of Dave’s deep knowledge of blues piano and Roger’s classical ear, with Brian’s great instincts as all around band leader and producer — all recorded on a beautiful old Bluezner stand up piano that was a favorite of Henry Mancini’s.