J. B. Smith, First Reflections

Music for Percussion by J. B. Smith.

Track List

1. Slap Shift
2. Choice
3. It's Destiny...Gasp!
4. Ringing Webs of Metal Threads
5. Trio Passacaglia
6. Concertante Diversion
7. Boundary Waters
8. Conga Mix
9. First Reflection
10. In Light of Three
11. In Light of Three, mov't 2

Album Description

J.B. Smith presents a CD of original music for percussion. Colors and rhythms of pitched and unpitched percussion instruments are combined to create a variety of musical compositions. Active as a concert artist and composer for over 20 years, this is the first recording of works that have been performed on concert stages throughout North America. Featured are performances by the composer, Robert Spring-clarinet, Jessica Karraker-voice, and the Arizona State University Percussion Ensemble. Composed in 1989, "Slap Shift" is written for six players each with a single conga drum. The four varying sections are connected by metric modulation and pattern shifting. The six lines of activity converge into a composite whole. With each drum producing three different tones (bass, open, and slap) the intermixed parts create three distinctive melodic lines. In Light of Three", featuring Robert Spring on clarinet, is a two movement work with a lyrical first movement and odd-meter, funk-derived second movement. Written in 1989, "Choice" is a tonal work with a free, somber introduction, driving rhythmic section and soft conclusion. "It's Destiny...Gasp!" features vocalist Jessica Karraker singing the lyrics of M. B. Hanrahan. The work requires eight percussionists using traditional percussion instruments as well as a couple of unusual items: power drill, an amplified 12" ruler on a tabletop and tuned cowbells. Ringing Webs of Metal Threads" is a duo for two vibraphones written in 1996. Inspired by the pantonal writing style of Peter Garland and Indonesian Gamelan music, layers of melody are created by streams of widely voices chords. In "Trio Passacaglia", a repeating bass line provides the foundation for a progressively expanding melodic activity. Concertante Diversion" grew out of a single melodic idea which provided the structural foundation for the piece. From the melody, a phrase length was established, a harmonic scheme was implied and counter melodies were derived. Several complimentary voices were created which offered a musical "block of stone" from which the piece was carved. In "Boundary Waters", a free, chromatic opening leads into a rhythmic, tonal passage which then degenerates into a polymetric cloud. Out of the cloud comes a familiar quotation which sets up a slow, melodic chorale. A festive coda closes the work. Conga Mix" was written in 1988. A work for three conga players, three varying sections are connected by metric modulation and pattern shifting. First Reflection" is structured as a theme with variations. It begins with a slow introduction of the melodic material which is followed by several rhythmic versions of the tune.

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