Jazz Trek Suite

Come aboard the "Starship Ellington" for a futuristic look at big band jazz, a three movement work that utilizes some unusual sounds and timbres. Movement 1: "Beyond Conventional," is a modal tune featuring ensemble writing in polychords, tight voicings and an extended piano solo. The ensemble plays long sustained voicings over a fast driving rhythm section. Movement 2: "Blues for Spock," is a futuristic look at the blues, with a slow tempo and a duet for bari sax and trombone, both of which get blowing space. The ensemble section uses cluster harmonies moving quickly over a relaxed rhythm section feel. Movement 3: "The Search for Something Else," begins with drums playing a free solo with brushes. The head is played by bari sax and string bass. There is solo space for Tenor 1 and Bass with sparse background figures underneath and no chord changes, and a difficult sax section soli. Lead trumpet to high E. Altos 1 and 2, and Tenors 1 and 2 double on Flute in the third movement. Optional Trumpet 5 part.