Baritone sax feature: This requires someone with high skill, who is willing to let go and delve into sonic worlds beyond more traditional jazz language.
The flute in tenor 2 is very minimal and completely optional. But, the doubles in the first two reeds are important. If finding an accordion player is completely impossible for you, vibes is possibility, and while a completely different sound, it could cover the parts, bringing a different sonic world. For the guitar, pedals for ethereal affect are very important. The guitarist must be geared for that. (no pun intended).
Recorded on Data Lords, “Sputnik” conjures up images of the new space race, now between corporations, that are sending thousands of satellites into orbit around our planet.
The theme, first presented by piano, goes through 12 short variations, mirroring the 12 lunar cycles in a year and the 12 zodiac signs. Each of those variations rise by a half step, going through all 12 keys. “Sputnik” is all rubato, as if floating through space, and it asks for a very coloristic approach from each of the rhythm section players. As “Sputnik” keeps rising in key, I tried to get varied colors and moods out of the orchestra to create a sometimes ethereal and sometimes dramatic backdrop for Scott Robinson’s baritone. This piece, like all of my pieces, was written with the soloist’s unique voice in mind, in this case, Scott Robinson’s. This is no ordinary jazz feature to say the least, of course, Scott Robinson is no ordinary soloist.
Under “Solos” and “Instrumentation” you will find information that I have given to those looking for scores & parts for their ensembles, letting them know what things are most essential for getting this piece to happen.
See full selection of Study Scores (individual, or by album).