Roberto Armocida | B. Cockcroft - "Black & Blue"

Barry Cockcroft - "Black & Blue" for solo alto saxophone
Roberto Armocida saxophone
Barry Cockcroft - About Black & Blue
Black & Blue creates a ‘one-man-band’ by asking the saxophonist to simulate various other instruments during this energetic 3 minute unaccompanied piece. Beginning with solo bass guitar, the saxophone intersperses with short bluesy phrases and angular jazz rhythms. Moving into a chordal section the bass guitar motif is joined by electric guitar. This aggressive effect is achieved by the saxophone playing multiphonics (more than one note at a time).
More saxophone phrases continue to intermix with the band moving into a change of feel that begins with a bass guitar solo joined by distorted chordal guitar.
The saxophones multiphonics create the distortion like effect heightening the tension. This is relieved by the introduction of a new instrument - the drum kit. By beating the keys in a rhythmic fashion of the saxophonist must produce precise and ‘groovy’ drum solo complete with fills.
The final section brings the piece to a dramatic conclusion with intense ‘wa-wa’ effects reminiscent of 1960’s rock guitar. The circular breathing, rapid repeated notes and bluesy phrases culminate in the final coda of the piece. Something of cliché in rock music, the saxophone wails high notes descending through a catchy blues line to bring the piece to its natural conclusion.
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