Commissioned in 2015 by internationally recognised trombone soloist Brett Baker, Cloud Rider takes inspiration from Norse mythology and the legend of the Valkyries. The Valkyries are a host of maidens who ride great steeds, hovering over the battle field, deciding which warriors will live and which will die. Once the battle is over, the Valkyries collect the dead and carry them back to the afterlife, to the realm of Asgard, laying them at the feet of Odin in his great 'Hall of the Slain,' Valhalla.