Soul Bop for string (cello) quintet was commissioned by the Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia for the Cramer String Quartet and cellist James Wilson for CMSCVA's 2022-23 season.

The work explores the stylistic crossings of Soul, Gospel & Folk music with hints of the contrapuntal Baroque. The opening soulful recitative gives way to a colorful, explosive sonic journey. It was a joy to write for my friend Jim Wilson and the Cramer Quartet, not only because they're incredible musicians, but also for the opportunity to compose for period instruments. The timbral qualities of gut strings are incredible. The warm richness of softer passages and the uniqueness of more angular contemporary gestures on these instruments are a feast for the ears.