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Work Overview
I wrote this piece in 2014 for Sirens Big Band. I love Afro-Cuban grooves and had been getting into Irish Folk music and decided to have a go at combining them. Also, the piece was inspired by Bob Curnow's Towednack Celtic Big Band album. Its 15/8 time signature is felt in 5 (5 groupings of 3 quavers). There are two improvised solos for any instrument except bass or drums. The piece features guitar and bass riffs which are passed around the band throughout the piece. It also features an Irish Folk-influenced melody in the saxes and trumpets (first appearing at rehearsal mark A through to E), with ornamentations. Tonguing should be avoided as much as possible in this melody, to emulate the Irish Folk style. At the interlude at letter G the character shifts more towards an Afro-Cuban feel, but Irish elements remain. At letter K, after the second solo, the music develops and builds to a climax at letter L, where the main theme returns. The piece then winds down, decreasing in density, and ends with the original guitar and bass riffs.
Work Details
Year: 2014
Instrumentation: 2 Alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, baritone saxophone, 4 trumpets, 3 trombones, bass trombone, guitar, piano, double or electric bass, drum kit.
Duration: 8 min.
Difficulty: Advanced — This piece is in an unusual time signature, contains complex rhythms, and contains high register brass passages for first trumpet and trombone.
The composer notes the following styles, genres, influences, etc associated with this work:
Afro-Cuban, Irish Folk Music, Bob Curnow and the SWR Big Band - Towednack Celtic Big Band
The composer notes:
Originally this piece was called A Nudge, but following a trip to Scotland in 2015 I decided to name the piece after one of the most beautiful places I've seen: the mountain valley of Glencoe. Yes, I realise I've named an Irish-influenced piece after a place in Scotland, but so be it. I haven't actually been to Ireland, but I hope to someday.
There are 2 improvised solo sections, for any instrument except bass or drums.
Performances of this work
3 Apr 13: Foundry616, Sydney NSW. Featuring Sirens Big Band.
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