[Roger Aldridge]

I've started to create videos that enable one to follow the pages of my ensemble scores while listening to the recording. The recordings are not midi files. They were created for me by David Arivett. The scores are for mid-size jazz ensemble (5 or 6 horns). They are concert pitch and use non-specified (flexible) instrumentation. Flexible instrumentation enables the music to be played by many combinations of instruments.

Here are the four that I've finished so far:

Blues For Lester --

Sleepy Creek Samba --

Appalachian Awakening --http://youtu.be/CtbiqCaH2qM

Salt Marsh Rag --

This article describes my concepts for a mid-size ensemble -- http://www.rogeraldridge.com/mid-size-ensemble.html

These pieces are available for high school, college, community, and professional ensembles. If interested, please contact me.

Roger

 

[814jazzer]

Roger -

I checked out your Blues for Lester. Man, that's a colorful piece. I dig it.
But, it seems that your bass part is so specific (echoing the melody line) that I'm surprised you didn't notate it. Someone who hasn't heard the recording might just play a plain-Jane walking line. Or is it only appearing as "slashes" in the score, but notated with more detail in the bass part?

best,
Rick

 

[Roger Aldridge]

Hi Rick, Thanks for your message. My writing for the rhythm section in my mid-size ensemble scores is intentionally minimal. Part of the reason is how I look for performers of my stuff to find their own vision of the music. I think of what I've put on paper to be a point of departure. I love to hear where ensembles go with it. It's my feeling that if I already know how the piece will sound (other than solos), what's the point? Of course, there is an element of risk with this approach. But, that's part of the adventure. The other part of the reason, is my scores are written for flexible instrumentation. The 6 horn lines can be played by many combinations of instruments -- both conventional and unconventional combinations. In a similar way, the rhythm section instrumentation is also flexible. At a minimum, I'd like to have a trio of bass, drums, and piano or guitar. However, other instruments can be used like accordion, vibes, electronics, etc. I mostly have the bass play on the chord changes. However, there are several places in the score where there is a notated line. Yes, the bass line on the recording is really good. That is David Arivett's work. He created this recording for me....recording each line at a time in my score. He also did the rhythm section tracks. David's a fine composer and pianist. I'm a fan of his work.