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This solemn ballad has an unusual, striking form: each A section of this abbreviated AABA form composition is dramatically set up by two punctuated sus chords. The A sections are only four measures long each; the B section is three measures. Soloing is over the same AABA format in a 4-feel with no punctuated hits. Our audio excerpt begins at the top of the head and fades out at the C section.
This composition was recorded one day after Donald Brown recorded his own first album as a leader (see Dorothy and Quiet Fire from Donald's album "Early Bird," which was also recorded for Sunnyside.) Bill Pierce loves Donald's music, as we do, and we'll be releasing more of Donald's music as recorded by Bill soon. Bill and Donald first recorded together as members of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers (1982), and they recorded together quite a few times in the 1990s.
One of Bill's own compositions, Myles, was also recorded on this album.
A lyrical pianist and prolific composer as well as a teacher, band leader and arranger, Donald Brown is considered one of the masters of contemporary jazz composition. Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Donald studied trumpet and drums as a youth. It was not until he began studying at Memphis State University that he switched to piano as his primary instrument, the late start making his pianistic skill all the more incredible. Read more...
