Fist Through Traffic
Charles Griffin
About this work:
Written for solo Alto Saxophone and 8 percussionists, in 3 short movements. The percussion parts are graded in difficulty from simple to advanced intermediate. It has been performed by numerous college and university ensembles throughout the U.S. (U of MN; Queens College; Wagner; U W-River Falls; Illinois Wesleyan), and soon will be released on CD by Columbus State University in Georgia.
The title of the work comes from a line from a Paul Simon song as an homage (I was listening to his Rhythm of the Saints album quite a lot at that time) and to reflect my sympathy for his approach to songwriting, which in the long run has also been about integrating diverse elements from outside his native experience or from outside the expectations of the genre into his personal style.
Year composed: 1993
Duration: 00:08:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Percussion Ensembles
Instrumentation: 1 Alto Saxophone, 1 Timpani, 5 Percussion (General), 1 Marimba, 1 Vibraphone
Instrumentation notes: Eb Alto Saxophone, Vibraphone, Marimba, Chimes
Timpani, Congas (2 or 3), Timbales (2), Toms (2)
Bass Drum, Sand Blocks, Claves, Triangle, Cowbell, Tambourine, Suspended Cymbal, Hi-Hat, Brake Drums (2), Whistle