JazzTones

Grade Level - 4

"Espionage" is a three part jazz suite of spy jazz/rock tunes. Each movement stands alone as a complete chart, but all movements played back to back is the intention. "Chaos and Theme" is the 1st movement. It begins with 15 seconds of full, atonal improvisation with everyone playing high fast and loud. This is an obvious influence of John Zorn’s work, especially the recording "Naked City." The drum fill in the m.2 sets up the bass ostinato that is prevalent throughout this work. The solo changes are in an unusual key for most big bands, that of F-sharp minor. The changes are in the first alto (who solos first) then in the guitar. Distortion on the guitar would be appropriate (if not encouraged). The guitar solo continues through the 3x repeated section at m.92 where different instrument groups join in improvising high and loud. Eventually, all instruments are improvising until the structure falls apart with another 15 seconds of full, atonal improvisation at m.108. Then a slightly slower, hard swing fill in the drums, sets up a swing section from m.111-116, the a rock fill at m.117 prepares us for the D.S. Overall, this tune is very exciting, fun to play and would add a touch of attitude to any jazz concert.