Duets

This extended work was composed for dance but works beautifully as a serious concert piece. The dirge-like opening (haunting for its superimposition of dark, ominous brass with simple folk-like motives) moves into a lilting, but edgy western-swing feel where the simple, angular, main theme is finally exposed. After solos by guitar (optional violin) and alto sax, a dormant, but ever-present, 12/8 groove overwhelms all else and relentlessly turns its way to the dramatic climax. (Optional violin, cello, and percussion, WW doubles.) Recorded by Chuck Owen & the Jazz Surge (Big Band) on 'Here We Are' on Sea Breeze Jazz.