Jennifer's Tune by composerclark
Genre: Jazz (instrumental)
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Keywords:
jazz (466), piano (687), walking bass (1), modulation (3)
Description:
For Jennifer, who found me on the "discard" pile of life, and for some reason thought I should be in the "keep" pile, for which I'll be eternally grateful.
First part is very straight-forward, harmonically, followed by a variation that stretches out a little more. Jumps from C to Eb in the middle section, but my favorite part is the chromatically-descending double bass line that follows when it switches to double time. It descends for something like 19 consecutive semitones, which seems highly suspect, but for some reason it all works. Middle section ends up in Eb minor, then there's a modulation back to C, and the main theme comes back.
Played by my friends Kristina Szutor (pno) and Trish Reid (bass) at a concert during a new music festival here in mid-February, 2006, during a blizzard.
Assigning a number for the "Production/Performance" category presents a bit of a dilemma. On the one hand, it's a live recording using a single, stereo ceiling microphone, so it could certainly be better recorded. On the other hand, the performers are two fantastic musicians, both seasoned professionals with multiple CD recordings, and in my view, at least, they played this beautifully. So, I guess I'm making a plea to not let the fact that it's a live recording detract too much from your assessment of the performance quality.
First part is very straight-forward, harmonically, followed by a variation that stretches out a little more. Jumps from C to Eb in the middle section, but my favorite part is the chromatically-descending double bass line that follows when it switches to double time. It descends for something like 19 consecutive semitones, which seems highly suspect, but for some reason it all works. Middle section ends up in Eb minor, then there's a modulation back to C, and the main theme comes back.
Played by my friends Kristina Szutor (pno) and Trish Reid (bass) at a concert during a new music festival here in mid-February, 2006, during a blizzard.
Assigning a number for the "Production/Performance" category presents a bit of a dilemma. On the one hand, it's a live recording using a single, stereo ceiling microphone, so it could certainly be better recorded. On the other hand, the performers are two fantastic musicians, both seasoned professionals with multiple CD recordings, and in my view, at least, they played this beautifully. So, I guess I'm making a plea to not let the fact that it's a live recording detract too much from your assessment of the performance quality.
Hardware:
Mac computer (g4 450)Software:
Digital Performer (there's a good MIDI version of this on my website), MosaicYou must be registered and logged-in to comment.
screamalexz
a beautiful piece. i think the eb minor change is the part that caught me. there's a part near the beginning i really like and i think that's it. when the speed picks up it's a nice change to the sad emotion. the bass could be a tad louder i think. a good piece.
composerclark
Thanks for the kind words, Alex. The Eb minor section is so brief that it's easy
to miss, but it occurs about 3/4 of the way through, just before the recap. So,
the form is:
A A' B A, where the A sections are in good old C major, and the B section begins
in Eb major but ends up in Eb minor. For fellow theory nerds, the modulation
from Ebm back to C is an interesting but unusual feature.
Reminds me that Herbie Hancock should play more acoustic piano.
My only disappontment here is that I wish the mic placement were
different so that the instruments had more presence/fidelity.
And your song description comment points out a dilemma that a number of us have brought up - that performance and production are handled by a single number. These are quite different things and should be evaluated separately.
---
Ars longa, vita brevis.
composerclark
I hadn't realized that others have questioned the combining of "Production"
with "Performance" into a single voting category too. I've always had a bit of
a problem with that category, since the two are completely
unrelated. I don't know what the solution would be, except to add another
voting category, and maybe most people feel there are enough categories as
things currently stand?
It's also a category that, in my experience at least, has generated some
strange numbers. A couple of my MacJams submissions are from
commercially available CDs. They are beautifully played, beautifully recorded,
and yet Last Dance,
for instance, which I would say is given a stunning, virtuosic performance,
had some people giving it 6's and 7's in the "Production/Performance"
category. Go figure, I guess. Or not. Probably the best course of action in
matters like these is to follow the advice of famous cat lover, Doris Day ("que
será, será").
(BTW, did you know that her son, Terry Melcher, was a producer whose
credits include ''Mr. Tambourine Man" and ''Turn, Turn, Turn" by the Byrds?)
(I am fond of digressions, but I will stop now..)
"Que Será, Será" is one of my favorite tunes, both melody and lyrics. And I am probably more knowledgeable of Terry' Melcher's abode being the location of where Manson's minions slaughtered Polanski's wife and others than his career. I have to restrain my side comments too. :)
The folks here are changing the site incrementally, changing the voting critieria may be on their list of things to do. Or maybe not. I have a tendency to pay more attention to the comments - the votes are often either over-flattering or puzzling. A vote can't tell me I should do something about the compression on a bass drum or my flat notes on a chorus or that I missed an opportunity to fit seven internal rhymes in one line of a lyric and retain the same meaning.
---
Ars longa, vita brevis.
composerclark
Wow, I didn't know about the Manson/Melcher connection.
Hmm... that could be a (disturbing) band name...
Maybe the voting categories discussion should move over to the foruums, where
more people could see it and comment if they wish. I'll give it a try, see what
happens.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
composerclark
Thanks for the comment, Mungo. I agree; I definitely need to get the players
into the studio to record this again. It's just that we're all so busy here that I'm
not sure when or if that can happen.
I look forward to hearing it.
---
Ars longa, vita brevis.
ChrisSly
Since it was live, that was nice to hear. I'm going to have to listen again to this song with headphones or better speakers (using the built in's in my PB) since I can't really make out the bass, and I want to hear this descending bass line of which you speak. A very sweet piece, much simpler than I expected. Also, it's nice to hear a real piano here, and interesting to me to hear a piece performed by musicians other than the composer.
composerclark
Thanks very much for the comment! Glad you were able to stop by. This is
probably one of my simplest, most straight-forward pieces, I agree.
Scared sacred
I seem always to use hyperbole when commenting.. Thus, I'll just say this is very good and leave it at that.
composerclark
Oh, but I like hyperbole! MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF! (That was an
example.) :-)
Never mind. Thanks for listening, and I'm glad you
enjoyed it!
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Jennifer's Tune
thetiler
And it was done with straight piano.
Lots of variations. Lots of depth of the musicains and composer here.
Bravo!
This a terrific live recorded.
I'm impressed!
composerclark
Thanks very much, Tiler. You are an unbelievably talented member of the
community, so any comments from you are always highly valued.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
aclarke
It's a wonderful tune with lots of life and feeling. That's it is a live
recording only adds to the thrill for me.
Absolutely beautiful song and a great performance.
composerclark
Thanks very much. One of life's greatest blessings is hearing your music played
well, especially the first time, when nobody else has heard it before.
Unfortunately, Jennifer couldn't be there to hear it, but at least she's heard the
recording.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
leonardo21
i sure liked this one. It reminds me of a hymn or something, at the beginning. I don't mean it reminds me of a particular hymn, it just feels spiritual like that. THen when it goes to the 2bl time it really boogies for sure. I wish that part went on longer. I wish the whole thing went on longer. Maybe you could use drums on this? I'm going to give it another listen. I have no idea how you come up with some of those chords.
composerclark
Thanks very much. Every note and every rhythm in this version was notated
because the performers are classical musicians (not jazz), but if some jazzers
wanted to give it a try, there's lots of scope for improvization, which would
lengthen it. If anyone wants to see the score (.pdf), you can download it at my
website, or just write me and I'll send it to you.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
Nolan
The performances are wonderful - as is the composition. Beautiful
piece.
composerclark
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for listening and commenting.
Cheers, Clark
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
John Stebbe
I hear echoes of folk songs like Danny Boy, Auld Lang Syne, and the
like. I also hear hymn references, but I can't pinpoint them.
The Eb modulation and the walking bass are a nice change-up from
the more serious "A" section.
The recording quality is pretty good, considering the way you
described it. Sometimes when we hear such pristine recordings on MJ
of virtual instruments, we forget what "real" performances sound like.
OK, the "C" section towards the end reminds me of Monk's "Round
Midnight." (The part immediately after the Eb section.)
I think the bass volume is just right, with all due respect to
screamalexz.
Glad you found such a person as Jennifer. You are truly blessed!
The applause sounds like
1) they really liked the piece, and
2) you had a pretty good-sized crowd.
Sounds like this piece might need some lyrics at some point, where you
could let us know all about Jennifer's good qualities.
RickB1
Speechless...what talent!
composerclark
And thank you for the compliment, Rick. You're no slouch in the
talent department yourself! Thanks for having a listen.
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Jennifer's Tune
composerclark
Thanks John, great comments there.
"Glad you found such a person as Jennifer. You are truly blessed!"
Thanks, and yes, I am blessed for sure. There were a lot of pretty lean years
before Jennifer, whom I married when I was 43. Surprisingly, I'm actually
younger than that now. :-)
"The applause sounds like
1) they really liked the piece, and
2) you had a pretty good-sized crowd."
This was the final concert in a new music festival that I organize every year,
and, as it happened, we had a big blizzard that night, so I wasn't sure the
concert would even go forward, and if so, if anyone would show up.
Surprisingly, we got about 50 people (mostly students), which was an
amazing turnout considering the circumstances, and yes, their enthusiasm
did feel heartfelt, possibly because they'd been listening to a lot more
challenging modern music all evening, and this was such a contrast. For a
long time, when I wrote stuff like this I would never have it played in public
for fear of losing credibility in the new music community, but finally I just
figured, what the heck, I'll just write what I like and let the chips fall where
they may, which has worked out fine.
"Sounds like this piece might need some lyrics at some point, where you
could let us know all about Jennifer's good qualities."
That's an interesting comment. I don't write lyrics -- the thought scares the
heck out of me, but maybe I should throw caution to the wind it give it a try.
Thanks for the suggestion.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
Doadars Uncle
Very sweet. Nice themes. Easy going.
Wish I could hear it live!
Still, I can reach that peaceful place!
composerclark
Thanks a lot, Doug! Glad you enjoyed it. I just left a comment for one of your
songs too.
Clark
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
Scorpjammer
...for one who teaches Religious Studies. It sounds like a church hymn that gets creative as it progresses, yet sticks to the theme thoughout.
The mere fact that it is done live as a recital puts me in the room with the audience. Or should I say, church with the congregation.
I'm clapping over here, too!
Bravo to the performers and blessings to all!
composerclark
You have said many nice things, and of course I am very appreciative! Thanks
very much, and I look forward to hearing more of your tunes.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
verry beautiful piano!
and bass sound's good
composerclark
Thank you very much for having a listen, and for the kind comment. Cheers.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
ifmusiconline
this is good!
composerclark
Wow! That sounds like a command! Interesting strategy.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
kristyjo
...is the hymn tune that this starts out like. But it moves pretty quickly to
some other nice things. Very nice performance, and I didn't realize it was
actually recorded live, so was a bit surprised by the clapping at the end.
This is very simple harmonically to start, but I like the way you delve into
the modulations and jazz stylings. The moving bass line does indeed
work well. Congrats!
composerclark
Yikes! You're right! The first phrase does sound like that hymn. I had no idea
'till you mentioned it. Fortunately, J's tune makes it's own way after that first
phrase, or else I'd have to change it! Thanks very much as always for the kind
and thoughtful comment, and best wishes!
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
Cori Ander
A very beautiful and heartfelt piece! Many interesting and unusual things
are happening and at the same time it does not give a concocted
impression but feels very "natural".
I am glad that you post live recordings like this. For some resaon I often
find live most interesting to listen to.
A really sensitive piano performance by Kristina. At the same time I sense
that Trish is very docile and thus makes is possible for Kristina to live out
her interpretation.
composerclark
Thanks so much! I'm glad you had a chance to have a listen, and that you
enjoyed it. As you know, I'm a big fan of your playing.
"For some resaon I often find live most interesting to listen to." I have a MIDI
version of this piece at my website, one I spent a lot of time on to try to make
it sound relatively realistic, and I was quite pleased with it. I played it for a
bunch of people who liked it, some of whom thought it was live. Well, that
was nothing compared to hearing it live; there's no way you can compare
even the most carefully prepared MIDI version of something with the Real
Thing, performed by excellent musicians.
But still, I'm a big fan of MIDI, both because you can't always get people to
play your music, and because it gives you some sense of how the music
sounds as you compose it.
Anyway, thanks again, and I'll look forward to hearing more of your tunes!
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
Einarus
A wonderful composition and a great performance.
Kept me interested through the whole piece, and not just interested -
entertained, as well.
Wonderful!
composerclark
Thanks very much for your comments, which I always appreciate. I just left a
comment for you too.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
Mcboy
bernstein would have come up with.......harmonically rich piece......bravo!
composerclark
Thanks! Glad you liked it, especially since you are such an excellent musician,
and I'm a big fan. Cheers, Clark
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18317">Jennifer's Tune</a>
Macaudion
Okay, I could learn a few things from you - This is a beautiful piece to
listen to, Mr Clark - I truly, enjoyed it and took a copy for the road.
Sorry that I don't have more spunk in my words here, but it is 3'40a.m.
and well, you know... Thank you - Dion
composerclark
Hey, Dion,
Thanks for the kind words. You may be the most generous member of
MacJams; I hope we don't lose you. And, for the record, I could learn a lot from
you too. I'm constantly amazed by the talent on this site.
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<a href="http://www.clarkross.ca">clarkross.ca</a>
ktb
a beautiful piece flawlessy played. really cool chages in the
progression. you covered so much ground here. i actually like the
warmth of the recording. knowing the importance of the subject matter
was important as well. "Jennifer" was my first real love. NOT your
Jennifer! :-), but I've always kept a fond spot in my heart for that name.
This was an exceptional composition. Bravo!
composerclark
Great comments, John; thanks very much. As I've mentioned in other
responses above (I think), my favorite part of this is the middle, double-time
section, in part because of the walking bass, and in part because of the nutty
changes that were not planned or "worked out" in any way--I just plunked
my hands on the keyboard and if I liked the sound of the harmony I'd keep it
(write it down), if not I would modify it until I liked it. A lot of trial and error.
'"Jennifer" was my first real love. NOT your Jennifer! :-)...'
Do we know this for sure? lol!
Cheers, and thanks again.
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<a href="http://www.clarkross.ca">clarkross.ca</a>
VicDiesel
Interesting that this is composed. It sounds quite like a jazz
improvisation. I'm curious whether you wrote out all the notes, or left
parts to the discretion of the performers.
Victor.
composerclark
Hi Vic, Yes, it's all notated. The performers were (and still are, last
time I checked) classical musicians, and played only the notes I wrote,
nothing else. The piano part has some extremely challenging bits, but
Kristina (a colleague here at the School of Music) is a phenomenal pianist (I
have another, even more
demanding/virtuosic piece performed by her here at MJ's), and handled
everything beautifully.If you are interested in looking at the
score, it's available for download from my website, here.Your visit
and comment are much appreciated!
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clarkross.ca
scratch_harris
I know the middle section's your favourite part but it demands more
texture than the 2 instruments allow. They are flawless on the adjacent
sections...a real visceral wonderful noise (Never apologies for a live
recording. It's what most of us aspire to.) That you've got a great
composition out there and I'm sitting in London appreciating your work is
staggering enough to me. I know this place can be a bit of a love in but I
have to say, I loved it!!!
scratch_harris
...On reflection composerclark. leave it as is.
composerclark
Hi Jon, no need for an apology! Honest critiques are always welcome (he said,
cringing at the implications of this statement). People can and should
disagree on musical merits from time to time. Even though you seem to have
reversed your criticism of the middle section, the fact that you made it at all
made me think about its texture, and wonder if in fact there is something
more that I should be doing there. This sort of questioning is not a bad
thing, so I thank you for it!
Maybe THE coolest aspect of MacJams is exactly what you mentioned, that a
person in London (or anywhere in the world) has an opportunity to hear and
appreciate music created by someone anywhere else in the world, including
St. John's, Newfoundland, the relatively sparcely-populated island in the
North Atlantic where I have lived for the past 14 years.
Thanks for your enthusiasm! It brightened my day.
Cheers, Clark.
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<a href="http://www.clarkross.ca">clarkross.ca</a>
apb
.. Condor moments with other bits ..
I went from A to B once, didn't like it - so I went back to A again ;oD
composerclark
Well, I'm not sure what is meant by a "perfect condor moment," but if it's a good
thing, then thanks!
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/20446">12-Tone Blues</a>
fishnugget
If I was a girl and you wrote that song for me I would marry you...no
seriously, that is a beautiful piece of music. It reminds of Christmas for
some reason... maybe because you mentioned it was recorded during a
blizzard, but it give me the impression of Bill Evans playing during the
Holidays. Very nice and professionally done.
composerclark
Thanks Mr. Fishnugget! I'm glad you were able to have a listen and leave such a
nice comment! I just left a comment for a piece of yours. Cheers!
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Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.
Bowman
I love the live performance quality of this piece. It's so reflective and so satisfying. Haven't checked out your non-classical work before. I shouldn't be surprised that I enjoyed this as much as I did. Well done.
composerclark
Thanks Charles! It is always a pleasant surprise to get a comment on pieces that have been around for a while; I really appreciate it.
Cheers.
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Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.
paul f. page
Clark,
Beautifully crafted piece. I read all the other comments and can only add that the piece so very satisfying. I am especially taken by the opening and closing. Your chord changes are predictable, but how you GET THERE is what is intriging. It takes a craftsman to understand how all of that works. I agree with Bowman that the live performance is compelling. ... Now I've got to listen to more of your things because you really know what you are doing. Thanks for this number.
Peace.
Paul
composerclark
Thanks, Paul. You're right about the chord changes; they are indeed predictable, so much so that I wrote it as a kind of 'guilty pleasure,' never intending to have it performed by anyone, fearing that it might destroy any reputation I might have as a 'serious' composer. In fact, I have quite a number of 'guilty pleaure pieces,' just written for the heck of it, completely tonal, just because I like that stuff. Back when I was a student I'd write these things but never dare show them to my teachers lest I be kicked out of their studios! But the challenge in composition is always to find a way to say what you want to say within whatever style/genre that you choose, and I just happen to like lots of genres. It matters less to me now if people snobbishly think that occasional adoptions of a pop/jazz style mean I'm a less-than-serious composer, because I'm older and, my music has had some success. Besides, people who think that way aren't the audience I'm trying to reach.<br><br>
Thanks again for your comments!
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Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.
Norman Goodman
Overall what struck me was the fluidity of the piece. The transitions to my ears certainly do not come off as logical yet were so eloquently structured that the modulation in the B section seemed so relevant once the A section was re introduced. Your are an exceptional talent. It is one thing to be highly educated in composition it is quite another to be able to compose such beautiful music!
composerclark
"It is one thing to be highly educated in composition it is quite another to be able to compose such beautiful music!"
That's a very nice thing to say, and I thank you very much for it! I am glad you like this tune.
I think perhaps that many highly-educated composers would argue that (a) they regard what they write as beautiful, even if the general public might not, and (b) they write the way they do because they choose to, not because they are incapable of writing "highly-beautiful" music in a more conventional/accessible sense.
Nevertheless, I think you make a valid point, and I admit that I have sometimes wondered about this. Thanks once again for your very generous comment.
Cheers!
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My website has full-length recordings of almost everything I have written, as well as free downloadable scores.
with the comment for the reason of its creation and followed through to the end. my ear,is novice in comparison to most here but I can say, its "feel" was exceptional in its honesty and that made it beautiful in every way
composerclark
Thanks very much for such a lovely comment! I really appreciate it. I'm looking forward to hearing your music now.
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ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within
Ibstrat
going thru some older posts and came across this.It's incredibly inspiring for me to listen to-you have a beautiful harmonic sense and the music is full of feeling.I really need to listen to all of your music.I've been blown away by everything I have heard!
Wonderful piece of music. The piano playing is gentle and the whole composition is elegant. Enjoyed it from the 1st second of the beginning and still listening!
KUDOS.... My 10's
Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi
composerclark
Once again, I must thank you most profusely Yeman A. Al-Rawi for your kind comment, and for your incredible feat of commenting on 11 (I think) of my tracks in something like 24 hours... You are amazing!
Char
Great writing and wonderful performance. What a gift!
Char :)
composerclark
Thank you, Char. Your comments are wonderful, and always appreciated!