One-Man Sideshow
- Solo Bass Trombone and Hi-Hat (one player)
- Completed: 19 November 2023; Premiered: TBA
- Sheet Music Plus
- Sheet Music Direct
At the request of a friend, this composition began in 2008 as a concept for solo bassoon. Sadly, he passed away before performing the piece.
When I was asked recently for a solo piece for bass trombone, I finally had a reason to update the original. Besides adapting it for the instrument, I also added new material. The result is these four short movements for bass trombone with hi-hat, both played by one player. The hi-hat is played mostly with the pedal, but occasionally with the fingers.
The first movement combines chromatic patterns, diminished scales, and blues licks. The hi-hat adds kicks and color.
The second movement is a blues progression that swings, with backbeats on the hi-hat.
The third movement attempts to obscure tonality through the use of chromaticism. It should be played very freely (rubato), with the hi-hat again adding color.
Only one minute in length, the final movement treats a four-measure melody as a theme and variations reminiscent of Arthur Pryor solos of the early 20th century.
A MIDI recording is below. It will be replaced soon by an actual recording of the piece.
