Black Rattle

Lengthy (~9:30). Up-tempo driving ECM feel/free. Rhodes piano (opt. piano). Woodwind doubles (soprano sax, clarinet/bass clarinet). Commissioned by the University of Oregon Jazz Ensemble and premiered at the IAJE conference in 2005, Black Rattle utilizes a 'follow the leader' concept. Bass trombone is the first leader: the other instruments begin their parts after the bass bone and try to 'catch up.' Trumpet takes over and leads the ensemble through more leader/follower moments. The tune then counts off into an aggressive, driving melody leading to a modal trumpet solo. The backgrounds reminisce about earlier material, but end up pushing towards another leader/follower section featuring your drummer. The original melody splashes back at the end, leading to a big finish.