In the past two months I have been asked to be in four videos where deeper experiences with energy work (such as acupuncture and medical qigong) are discussed. Links to the videos, with Saly Elka and Anouk Sophia, have been added to the Out And About page.
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My originals are now available at both Sheet Music Plus and Sheet Music Direct. The Store page has been updated with new links to my music at these online stores (part of Hal Leonard music publishing).
Thank you to Mark Elmy for his permission to use his breathtaking photo of the Milky Way for my website. It makes a big improvement to the Out And About page. Photo credit is given to him and his name has a link to his Four Pillars website.
For a long time I have felt that musicians (and other artists) are showing a way forward to the world. One of the reasons why I've loved jazz since I was a young child is how individual expression is balanced with collaboration in an ensemble and how the music absorbs influences from people and music all over the world. As the great drummer Art Blakey famously said, "Jazz is not African. Jazz developed in this country as a kind of stew of various social and musical ingredients thrown together in a pot." As I think about jazz in this way, it inspires me with a message of hope for the world.
I have been reflecting on the music that I wrote before 1989. With a handful of exceptions, all of the handwritten scores and lead sheets from that time have been lost due to one reason or another.
A number of pieces that I wrote in the late 1960's and early 70's come to mind. In particular, two pieces for concert band -- Four Haiku Sketches and Ten Events for Band -- and several works for experimental theater. I'm also remembering an extended piece for double quartet (classical woodwinds and jazz ensemble) as well as more of my originals and arrangements for various kinds of ensembles. I did a lot of writing in those years! At this stage in my life and in how my music has evolved, it is likely that I would no longer care for those earlier pieces. However, some of them might have stood the test of time and would be like meeting old friends again. Regardless, what's gone is gone. I am entirely happy to have all of the music that I have written since 1989...more than 30 years worth. When I think about the pieces that I no longer have, I can see how they served as a foundation for the music that came later. UPDATE 2/9/2021: I just discovered that the score for Four Haiku Sketches is in the University of North Texas library. It is part of the Source: Music of the Avant-Garde collection. The score is in Series 2: unpublished scores. oversize, Set 1; Box 1 Barcode 711602. I contacted the UNT music library to request a copy of the score and will post an update when there is a reply. UPDATE 4/30/2021: Happily, I received a photocopy of Four Haiku Sketches from the UNT music library. It is mind boggling that after 52 years I am seeing this piece again. Now, as I review the score and hear it in my mind, I would say that it still sounds fresh. At this point, I have spoken with the Director of the Composers & Schools organization (of which I'm affiliated) and she is enthusiastic about it. Both of us see this score as being like a time capsule from 1969. Note: Four Haiku Sketches has been added to my compositions at the New Music USA Online Library. Out And About is a new feature of my website. It has a series of blogs that describe experiences I am having with various kinds of energy practices. Links to it are on the Home page and in the navigation menu.
The Home page has been expanded to have three recordings under the Featured Music section. Additionally, a navigation shortcut has been added to the page. The LISTEN TO MORE RECORDINGS button takes one to A Sample Of My Music.
Matthew Klein (AKA, Uncle Brother) made a recording of Tofu Roadkill. This piece is unique in how it is the only song (music & lyrics) that I have written. It can be heard on the Tofu Roadkill page.
The recording is for sale (streaming or download) at Bandcamp. Seven digital albums of my originals are available at Bandcamp. Each one has its own character, styles, and moods. The complete collection has 54 recordings and is $37.50 (25% discount). Sold separately, an album is $7. As another option, individual tracks are $1. This enables one to select tracks from different albums. The music can be streamed with the free Bandcamp app or downloaded. Albums or tracks can also be sent as gifts.
This information has been added to the Store page. A new section has been added to the About page. It has information about my interest in Qigong practices and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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AuthorRoger Aldridge, jazz composer in Olney, Maryland. Categories
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