Distorted Images: A Jazzman 's Nightmare was composed in 1989 for the University of Iowa Symphony Band. The piece is programmatic, but only through general Images. It tells the story of the dreams of a jazzman and the subsequent distortion of those dreams as they turn into a nightmare. The piece uses both 'swing' and 'straight' playing from members of the ensemble, sometimes alternating between the two and sometimes sounding simultaneously. Other jazz elements in the piece include Improvisation from members of the group and the use of a drum set.