Buck Jones
Jack W. Stamps
About this work:
Libretto by John Navarro, Buck Jones is a buffet of vignettes set in a western themed family steakhouse located between a highway interchange and a Suburban node.
Act 1- Breakfast
As Ann rolls silverware, she thinks of her unborn child. Tom, the salesman, comes in to pitch the miracle breakfast product Break-O-Day. Waitresses talk and drink coffee. When the restaurant opens, a flurry of voices and activity ensues. Ann chats with Mr. And Mrs. Burns. Chlorene has a moment to herself. Tanya waits on a poet.
Act 2- Lunch
Manuel, a busser, observes Marlene and Angelica at their daily ritual meal. The cooks and Tanya take a smoke break. Henry gets them all back to work. A pair of travelers arrives. McKay explodes in rage over his lunch order. The travelers talk with Rick before they leave. As Marlene and Angelica gather their things, Manuel reminds them of the birthday song.
Act 3- Dinner
Gus decides a meal is the thing. Customers become a chorus. A farmer and his wife have dessert and talk business. Steve works his first shift as a management trainee. Buck makes a promotional appearance. As the evening ends, the customers and staff depart, leaving Clifford to sweep the floor.
Version: An Opera In Three Acts
Year composed: 2006
Duration: 01:45:40
Ensemble type: Voice, Solo or With Chamber or Jazz Ensemble:Two or more Solo Voices with Large Chamber/Jazz Ensemble (10 +)
Instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Bassoon, 1 Bass Trombone, 2 Percussion (General), 8 Violin, 3 Viola, 2 Cello, 1 Double bass, 1 Electric Guitar, 1 Computer/Laptop
Instrumentation notes: 1 Piccolo (doubles to Soprano
Flute),
1 Flute (doubles to Alto Flute),
1 Oboe,
1 Bassoon (doubles to Contrabassoon
extensively),
1 Bass Trombone,
1 Amplified Classical Guitar
(doubles to Lap Steel Guitar,
also amplified) – Please see
notes from the composer for
further details.
1 Midi Keyboard and
Computer running the
MIDI SAMPLER INTERFACE,
amplified and diffused, in
stereo, using 2 speakers - Please
see notes from the composer for
further details.
3-4 Violin I,
3-4 Violin II,
2-3 Viola,
2 Celli,
1 Contrabass,
2 Percussionists playing
the following:
Vibraphone,
Marimba,
Xylophone,
Glockenspiel,
Bass Drum,
Snare Drum,
Field Drum (optional),
Sus. Cymbal,
Bell Tree,
Cowbell,
Hi-hat,
Triangle,
Crash Cymbals,
Bongos (2),
Flexatone,
Egg Shaker,
Prayer Stones,
Guiro,
Med. Gong (Tam-tam),
Tambourine,
Thunder Sheet,
Castanets,
Slapstick,
Temple Blocks (3),
Vibraslap