Introducing Guardian of the Oceans — a sweeping and evocative jazz waltz composition written by Edward Simon, inspired by Rupy C. Tut's striking triptych painting New Normal. Prepare to be drawn into a sonic world of rising tides and quiet wisdom, where music and nature intertwine in a long, arching build that mirrors the slow, unstoppable rise of the oceans themselves.
The piece opens with the piano alone, establishing a hypnotic 16-bar harmonic cycle in minor that serves as the foundation for everything that follows. From there, the music unfolds gradually and intentionally — new instruments entering in waves, new layers of melody and texture accumulating over time — until the full ensemble breathes together in a powerful, inevitable climax. A horn fanfare brings the music to its peak before a modulation to A minor guides the piece to a quiet and resolute close.
Make the most of this musical gem with downloadable PDFs of the score and parts, allowing you to explore the intricate harmonic language and rich textures of Guardian of the Oceans at your convenience and adapt it to your ensemble's unique style.
This piece features a standout collaborative improvisation between piano and bass clarinet, building in intensity as the rhythm section rejoins and harmonic tension mounts. Listen for the repeating C's — first from the piano, then the tenor saxophone, and finally the vibraphone — a recurring motif representing the inner voice of wisdom and nature's quiet but persistent call.
Duration: 7:00 Level: intermediate
Parts included: bass clarinet/soprano sax, tenor saxophone, trumpet, piano, bass, drums and vibraphone.
Introducing Guardian of the Oceans — a sweeping and evocative jazz waltz composition written by Edward Simon, inspired by Rupy C. Tut's striking triptych painting New Normal. Prepare to be drawn into a sonic world of rising tides and quiet wisdom, where music and nature intertwine in a long, arching build that mirrors the slow, unstoppable rise of the oceans themselves.
The piece opens with the piano alone, establishing a hypnotic 16-bar harmonic cycle in minor that serves as the foundation for everything that follows. From there, the music unfolds gradually and intentionally — new instruments entering in waves, new layers of melody and texture accumulating over time — until the full ensemble breathes together in a powerful, inevitable climax. A horn fanfare brings the music to its peak before a modulation to A minor guides the piece to a quiet and resolute close.
Make the most of this musical gem with downloadable PDFs of the score and parts, allowing you to explore the intricate harmonic language and rich textures of Guardian of the Oceans at your convenience and adapt it to your ensemble's unique style.
This piece features a standout collaborative improvisation between piano and bass clarinet, building in intensity as the rhythm section rejoins and harmonic tension mounts. Listen for the repeating C's — first from the piano, then the tenor saxophone, and finally the vibraphone — a recurring motif representing the inner voice of wisdom and nature's quiet but persistent call.
Duration: 7:00 Level: intermediate
Parts included: bass clarinet/soprano sax, tenor saxophone, trumpet, piano, bass, drums and vibraphone.
Printed version is available for purchase at J.W. Pepper.com.
