Di-lithium Blues

This chart is a fierce, mid-tempo, funk steamroller. It never varies from the basic groove of from the 12-bar blues structure. However, a simple harmonic device (sliding up and down a semitone on each chord) imparts a slightly Middle Eastern flavor. Only 'sus 4' chords are used which enhances the modal quality. The drummer sets the groove for the opening chorus: chords only. Next the quirky 16th note melody is stated by tenor and trombone. This melody is then restated a couple octaves higher by saxes, trumpet and vibe. After this, there is an open solo section which is provided with three different backgrounds that can be played in any order. One of these backgrounds introduces a snaky counter melody which echoes the semitone motion in the chords and becomes more important later. The tenorsolo follows the open section. Accompanied at first by only rhythm, the soloist is joined by trills from low saxes and bones and then by some funky brass backgrounds interspersed with the countermelody mentioned earlier. The guitar solo is next with the backgrounds eventually becoming wilder and more abandoned. The drum solo caps this progression accompanied by simple, accented punches from the whole band. The closing choruses reverse the motion of the opening music (high melody, low melody, chords alone) with the last chord being the unresolved 'b2' (or supertonic). A highly individual treatment of the blues that will show off your soloists andensemble in good measure. Trumpet to High C. Alto/Sop, A,T,T,B,4,4,Vibes,G,P,B,D. Medium Difficult.