(Composed and performed by Reynold D. Philipsek 2000 copyright Zino-Rephi Music BMI)
Recording engineer: Stymie Seamans
I wrote this song about 20 years ago. I did one small group version on the “25” album. This is the 2011 solo version. Incidentally, as many know I perform regularly with the trio also called Sidewalk Cafe and we will be playing this coming summer (see reynold.com for dates).
As per my regular MO the piece is brief and concise but has an added feature. It is a sort of game for me to try to construct a seemingly simple and flowing melody that actually has a fairly complicated harmonic (chordal) backdrop. This piece has constantly shifting tonal centers which presents a challenge for the improviser.
For those interested that progression is:
D major sharp 11, B flat major 6/9, D minor 7 sus 4, A major 6/9, D flat 6/9 sharp 11, G major 6/9, F major 7 sharp 11, E minor 11, G/C, E minor 11, F major 7 sharp 11, E minor 11, G/C, E minor 11, A (add 9), A minor (add9), A (add 9).
Even if one doesn’t understand or care about chord progressions it is easy to see that the tonality is constantly shifting and not always in an expected or common way. This is the challenge. To take a progression like this and to create a melody that seems natural and organic. There is an old maxim that goes back to Roman times “ars est celare artem” which means “the art is to conceal the art.” When you getting longer in the tooth (like me) you can afford to amuse yourself with these concepts.
I hope you like the piece. Just listen to it as it is intended as just a free flow of music. I hope this information doesn’t seem too arcane or convoluted.
Take care. Be safe.
Link below: