. . . there are several opportunities to
improve technique, become aware of style, and improve the
skill of ensemble performance.
- George Frock Printed by permission of the Percussive Arts Society, inc.
The
12-bar blues is quite possibly one of the most influential musical
forms of the past century. This simple chord progression has
been incorporated and modified by some of the greatest musicians in
rock and jazz. It is flexible enough to work in virtually any
style, including of course, the Cha Cha. After an opening
ensemble statement and a few bars of the groove, the standard 12-bar
blues format begins with the xylophone serving as the primary
melodic instrument. Following two statements of the tune, the
ensemble shifts into a montuno (repetitive ostinato)
section which eventually becomes the vamp over which individuals in
the ensemble can solo. The drumset, congas, and a
chromatically descending line in the mallet instruments kick the
ensemble back into one final blues chorus and a one-bar ensemble
tag.
click on the
cover page to view an excerpt of the piece
