Work Overview
The song is an extension of a 12-bar blues to 14 bars, which is caused by inserting two extra bars extending the turnaround at the V (dominant) chord. The harmony is structured slightly differently in letter D, to give more freedom for the improvisation. The first eight bars combine the jazz technique of a 'riff tune' and the classical technique of a canon (between the Bb and Eb horns). It also creates variety in feel with the rhythm section playing on 2 & 4, then swinging in 4. The tempo is flexible, but I think a medium-swing suits it best.
The recording only repeats letter D once, but this score repeats it twice. It can easily be extended if needed, and all the horns have chord changes written over the first chorus so that other horns can solo if so desired.
The parts are flexible, with an optional trumpet part which could replace the soprano saxophone, trombone part to replace the baritone sax, and guitar and piano can both play, or one or the other.
Work Details
Year: 2017
Instrumentation: Soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trombone, trumpet, piano, guitar, bass, drums.
Duration: 3 min.
Difficulty: Medium
Commission note: Commissioned/Dedicated to Steve Feigenbaum and Joyce Nalewajk.
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