Thirteen

Listen to the work here!
 
Thirteen is a jazz-influenced work for a mixed ensemble of thirteen players, as follows: Flute/Piccolo, Alto Saxophone/Clarinet, Bassoon, Cornet, Horn, Trombone/Euphonium, Violin, Cello, Electric Bass, Synthesizer, Marimba, Percussion (Vibraphone, Bells, Shaker, Temple Blocks, Congas), and Drumset.
 
This piece combines inspiration from the chamber symphonic jazz traditions of composers such as Frank Zappa, Andy Akiho, and their contemporaries with an exploration of metric structures based on the number thirteen. The opening section, in 13/16 with various subdivisions throughout, mixes funk and disco sounds with a light, spacey feel (and even a brief quote from Paul Hindemith). Staccato background figures and rhythmically elevated flourishes call to mind 1960’s and 1970’s funk, before moving into a contrasting section in 13/8. This section, with an Afro-Cuban montuno feel, features the cornet and the marimba, and allows for some of the other woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists to switch instruments for a contrasting ensemble timbre. As the unbalanced metric structure of the work constantly rolls over itself, the 13/16 and 13/8 grooves are temporarily superimposed in order to transition back to the first feel and bring the work to a close. Through the careful employing of difficult rhythmic figures, Thirteen is an exploration of oddness as a rule and not as a deviation, and moves forward with a relentless energy that only truly arrives at rest when the work comes to a close.