Mike Rossi

Contrasts Of Cape Town

Instrumentation:

Part 1 & 2:

Flute, Oboe, Violin, Guitar (C)

Alto- & Baritone Sax (Eb)

Trumpet, Clarinet, Soprano- & Tenor Sax (Bb)

Part 3:

Trombone (C)

Baritone Sax (Eb)

Tenor Sax (Bb)

Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums

This tune's form is easily recognizable as a blues. What makes it fun and interesting to play is how the melodic ideas are contrasted over changing rhythmic feels. The piece starts off with a familiar Cape Town groove known as Cape Goema, which reflects the happy festival type atmosphere found in Cape Town when the New Year rolls around. Major dance and carnival like competitions take place on the 2nd day of the New Year and features energetic dance troupes in colourful dress, dancing and marching through the streets of Cape Town. The Mardis Gras atmosphere in New Orleans comes to mind when seeing and hearing the colourful display of local culture. As a Goema listening reference refer to Tsakwe by Abdullah Ibrahim on For Lydia and the Lion featuring Mike Rossi with the Darius Brubeck Quartet (Gathering Forces).