This blog is a space for sharing my reflections on music, creativity, life, and politics—a way to connect with fellow saxophonists, musicians, and thoughtful explorers of life. Join me as we delve into the art of sound, the nuances of expression, and the broader world around us.
Sam Newsome
"The potential for the saxophone is unlimited." - Steve Lacy
A few months back, I asked three of my esteemed colleagues to participate in what I call the Microtonal Challenge.
The participants:
Dario Dolci
Catherine Sikora
Jaleel Shaw
Sam Newsome
Playing only the soprano, I asked them to interpret my tune "Microtonal Worksong." The piece is loosely based on a Bb blues, with lots of quartertone alternations in both the melody and the improvised solos. One of the most common ways I use quartertones in a blues context is by moving from the major 3rd to the quarter flat 3rd to the minor 3rd--creating a delayed blues effect and intensifying the blues sound. In fact, I use this technique for the entire major chord.
It looks something like this in the key of C.
C // C quarter flat // B
E // E quarter flat // Eb
G // G quarter flat // F#
B // B quarter flat // Bb
Below is a poor photocopy of the piece.
We all took different approaches. Dario, my microtonal partner in crime, played it at a slightly faster tempo, giving it a welcomed energetic boost. Jaleel paced it slightly slower and changed some of the notes on the second half. Not to mention treating us to some cool runs at the end! I would say that Catherine moved through the piece most patiently, playing the 1st and 2nd endings and an exploratory improvised solo, delving deep into the nuances of the microtones. My approach was pretty straight ahead, especially the melody. But I did seize the opportunity to explore the quartertones pretty extensively during my improvised solo.
Thanks again to all of the participants for lending their time and talents.
The Homerun Fallacy is a term I came up which speaks to how we look to hit homes in life rather than being content with merely staying in the game. Aspiring to stay in the game is less sexy and doesn't make for retweet worthy sound bites. But it does bring one more attainable goals and peace of mind, longer-term. Some could see it as lowering the bar, but I see it as expanding your bar options. Focusing on playing the game gives you a more nuanced experience. Or more reward options that extend far beyond hitting the ball over the wall or running the basses.
This can certainly be applied to be a musician. It’s not just about having a hit record or playing with the most popular players at the top venues, but learning all that you can from the recording experience or being excited to perform. Expect nothing, gain everything. It seems too simple. Yes, it is simple, but it's very difficult to do. We’ve convinced ourselves that happiness only awaits us on the other side of the wall. In most cases, we simply need to open our eyes and experience fully the side we're on.
The next time you’re at that proverbial plate, smell the air, admire the green, lose yourself in the music of the cheering crowd. Focus on your swing, not the consequence of hitting the ball correctly. Be in the moment. Or, just be.
