New Tango No. 1: Movement (6-Horn Jazz Ensemble)
Roger M. Aldridge
About this work:
Inspired by the tango, New Tango No. 1 is an abstract piece invoking dance movement as well as exploring movement in and out of time in the music. Recorded by Jason Shapiro, alto saxophone; Jeff Knoettner, keyboards; E. Shawn Qaissaunee, guitar; Peter McCarthy, bass; and Skip Rohrich, drums.
The soloist's part is entirely improvised. The rhythm section goes between time and free-time. The soloist cues the rhythm section on when to make time and harmonic changes. The background ensemble is in free-time with each note conducted. During solos the background ensemble can improvise interactions with the soloist. This piece is highly dependent upon the soloist and ensemble to bring the music to life and take the audience on a journey.
Space and understatement are important features of this music. The open, floating free-time melody and the space between its phrases enable the rhythm section to have a prominent role in playing layers of lines, textures, and colors. Using accordion and guitar (along with piano, bass, and drums) is highly recommended. A string instrument(s) such as violin, viola, or cello can improvise additional layers with the rhythm section. One of my essential concepts in this piece is for the ensemble to have the sound of a tango band (as closely as possible); however, the music has a great amount of freedom.
The mid-size ensemble score is for soloist, 5 horns, and rhythm section. The score uses flexible instrumentation. This enables the music to be played by many combinations of instruments. My article on mid-size ensemble describes the concepts I used in this piece.
This piece can be purchased at Sheet Music Plus.
Year composed: 2011
Duration: 00:00:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice
Instrumentation: 1 Flute, 1 Alto Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 English Horn, 1 Clarinet, 1 Alto Clarinet, 1 Bass Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 1 Soprano Saxophone, 1 Alto Saxophone, 1 Baritone Saxophone, 1 Horn in F, 1 Trumpet, 1 Flugelhorn, 1 Trombone, 1 Bass Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Drum Set, 1 Accordion, 1 Electric/Electronic Keyboard, 1 Electric Bass, 1 Electric Guitar