Duration: 7'
Commissioned by Bill Mann; Dedicated to Bill Mann & Jemmie Robertson
Many of my compositions take inspiration from non-musical ideas. Occasionally, however, it’s fun to just write a piece of music that is not “about” anything at all. Such is the case with Bone Tones. Commissioned by my colleague Bill Mann for a performance at the 2023 International Trombone Festival, the work is written for a trio comprised of tenor trombone, bass trombone, and piano. If the composition is “about” anything at all, it’s about showcasing the virtuosity as well as the lyrical soul of the trombone. The piano is no idle bystander, however. It is a full and equal partner in the trio, more than capable of holding its own in relation to the two powerful brass instruments. Like much of my music, Bone Tones moves along at a brisk pace, is full of notes, and has a relentless driving rhythmic intensity throughout. There is, however, a lyrical, introspective section thrown in the middle to give everyone a breather before the work thunders to its conclusion.