"Dilemma"

[gregrorio j]

Hey Gang. This is a piece I recorded some time back. It is for a small ensemble: voice, percussion, piano and keyboard. I don't usually have words in my music.  (Discloser) Although a few words may reference a particular geographic area, the words here are to be interpreted as metaphor.  In general, it is an anti-war statement. Duration, about 2 1/2 minutes.

 

https://soundcloud.com/progstudiespiano/dilemma

 

Another piece, "Standing Rock," with similar sentiment I'll post as well, though realized in a completely different 'orchestration'. 

 

https://soundcloud.com/progstudiespiano/standing-rock-rmx2t3

 

Thank you for listening.

[Raymond Jacob]

It’s very good. Very, very, very good. I’m always impressed with what you create. It’s “out there” but so listenable. I feel like I’m hearing a tango foundation throughout. By the way, what is your percussion background? Last year or the year before I listened to your piece for multi-tracked bowed vibraphone. You’re connected to percussion in a way not many are.

[gregrorio j]

Thanks so much, Raymond! I was going for that 'out there' but tangible dynamic, and I appreciate you mentioning that! I am not a percussionist, but do dabble somewhat. There have been some wonderful percussionists Ive worked with, who are also friends. The percussionist in this piece is the inimitable Austin Wrinkle.
Thanks for listening!

[Raymond Jacob]

Thanks, Gregorio. Austin played great. -R

[gregrorio j]

In case you're curious, here's another piece I wrote which features Austin. (elec. violin, double bass, perc. , elec. guitar, keys)
"The Red Cloak"

https://soundcloud.com/gregoriox88/the-red-cloak-714152

[Raymond Jacob]

Oh, man….so good. Yea, listening to this group play….inspiring. You’re SoundCloud description refers to prog, but this sounds fresh and I would not have made the connection; although, the best prog from that early 70s to me still sounds fresh and exciting in content even if the sonics can sound dated. Your Red Cloak is a pristine recording, very well mixed, and there was absolutely no struggle to hear any of the goings-on in the music. Austin was fabulous, again. Both Red Cloak and Dilemma excel in groove, and that’s a credit to everyone who played, not just Austin. By the way, did you make a chart for Austin or did you let him create the part? (I’ll guess you let him create the part) Killer guitar solos. I would not have guessed double bass. Wow. Thank you for sharing this one. -R

[gregrorio j]

Im so glad you enjoyed it! Yes, mentioning a progressive framework may not have been the best characterization for a positive listening experience :) There was a group called 'Quartet Music' - way back in the 80's? - that had an effect on my thinking - in this chapter of working with a 5 piece fusion ensemble. The drummer for 'Quartet Music' was Alex Cline - a very inspiring musician. Loved their whole sound. Also, to a certain extent "Shakti" w/  John McLaughlin , L. Shankar on violin and Zakir Hussain on tabla.
I did write out a score for Austin, which mostly described accents, time changes , and 'feels'. But he put a lot of himself into that arrangement.
Awfully kind of you for offering your feedback! Thank you!

[David Lilly]

I really enjoyed listening, thanks for sharing. Both works are particularly unique and possess some tasteful atypical qualities that drew me in, especially "Dilemma." The live instrumentation on that one was certainly pleasing to hear. As Raymond mentioned, despite the very foreign nature of Dilemma, I found it rather digestible. If I had to do the old "it sounds like this" routine (Which it doesn't, but more so, is reminiscent of for me personally) some early 70s King Crimson works. Thank you for sharing these works.

[gregrorio j]

Thanks, David, for giving this a whirl! Ray had mentioned the idea of a tango rhythm ('Dilemma') - which I also think helped with giving it some 'earth'. (maybe a 1/2 bar tango, half tuples or some such;)
Yes, King Crimson at one time got into my ears as well... kind of hit a miss for me, there. Certainly Robert Fripp, A. Belew, and Bruford brought a lot to the table. (There was one night at a rehearsal studio where I met Tony Levin! - who impressed us with his knowledge about obscure stringed instruments, and how they can be used. Our guitarist was sporting a Mandocello (which we used in one tune) which sparked the conversation.
Thanks for listening!

[Ivor]

Intriguing, engaging, musically exciting. Nice ensemble, contemporary (which is fine by me). Has a spontaneous feel about it. A pleasure to listen to.

Except the words were a touch indistinct so I'll run my computer through an outboard bandpass filter tomorrow to get a little clearer.

ANother point. It may be worth leaving a few blank bars at the end of a piece destined for soundcloud. I was just drifting into that fading ending...the piece ended and soundcloud burst forth with another piece by a different composer. Came like a wake-up slap in the face. I usually leave 8 seconds (putting an unplayable note in midi things so the rendering doesn't stop at the 'official' end of the piece).

An excellent piece.

[gregrorio j]

Hi Ivor! A belated "Welcome Back!"
Your words are very encouraging. There was a somewhat loose, and generalized score, and played through only a few times before recording. So, yes, there was a spontaneity factor, but I think 'lucky' , also.
Oh No, Sorry about that face-slap. I didn't realize that happens. Awful. I'll have to remember that 8 second rule!