Peace Horizon A synthesis of jazz and orchestral influences, this project features trumpet, classical guitar, ambient synths and some contemporary string writing. Check out the preview or download the high-quality MP3.

For all the Cubase geeks who want to create custom color palettes, I coded a Web page that will allow you to pick custom colors for your interface and automatically generate xml code so you can update your color palette instantly, saving hours of time!

• Eric Rasmussen • Alto saxophonist and college professor Eric Rasmussen recently sat down with me over Italian food and shared stories, wit and wisdom from his extensive career with many of the greats.

Nope, not with me. This one was recorded in 1996 with Bret Primack for JazzTimes magazine, where Joe is joined by John Scofield, also. Great stuff.

This article in the New York Times, Peak Performance: Why Records Fall, cites some research into how the greats become great (hint: it involves the "p-word").

Ok, maybe I haven't solved that one in its entirety. But I'm certain I grok music. For now. Maybe.

The Finale blog has some excellent tips for arrangers, including some great how-to videos that will help speed up your work flow.