musical thoughts

The Ralph Towner composition Icarus was the subject of analysis in a discussion about whether melody or harmony was more important in creating tension and release. The precise original question is lost (I’ll post it if I run across it), but this is still a detailed analysis of an interesting, well-composed piece.

read more of analysis: Icarus

In my post on Night in Tunisia I mentioned a famous alto break by Bird. Here’s that break so you can listen to it, hear what I’m talking about and be amazed.

read more of famous alto break

My version of the Juan Tizol/Duke Ellington classic. Since we’re talking diminished scales lately, I thought I’d bring this out.

read more of video: Caravan