Here are two pieces I composed while studying with Chris Dobrian. Both are rhythmic studies, use clave based patterns, and have forms based on a symmetrical central or “mirror” point in the rhythmic cycles.
When I’m 65
2008
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composed using pro tools, sampled audio, and audio synthesis.
When I’m 65 is based on a blues form inspired by the bassline to Albert King’s Crosscut Saw (from I Wanna Get Funky, Stax Records, 1974). This bassline anticipates each chord change by a full measure. I adapted the original bassline into a melodic line that fits a 5/4 son clave pattern, and layered this pattern with a 13 beat bell pattern and a contrasting melodic line. Sampled string bass marks downbeats of the 5 beat and 13 beat patterns. The two patterns form a 65 beat cycle that creates an interesting texture when further layered with blues based chords timed to match a “bomba” beat syncopated against the 5 son clave pattern. To complete the overall form I contrast the blues pattern with a sparse central “bridge” in the relative minor. The 13 beat cycle is phrased 7+6 in the first half of the piece and “turns around” into a 6+7 pattern for the last half.
To create the final composition I first composed a “block” of rhythms in pro tools then “sculpted” that block into the final form of the piece.
Mirrors
2009
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composed using reason.
Mirrors is based on two cycles of a 6 against 7 polyrhythm that takes 1 minute 44 sec to complete. In the first half of the piece the 7 beat pattern is developed at different subdivisions (8x background tempo, 6x background tempo, 4x background tempo, 3x background tempo, 2x background tempo) and with various digital effects. The final half of the piece allows the main 6:7 rhythm to play out with a drum n’ bass type timbre. A principal melodic theme is stated at different points in the piece. The entire piece uses extensive amounts of panning and synthesis.
