Dreams

This sixth session at OTR Studios represents a significant departure from my previous work as it emphasizes techniques pioneered by early 20th century masters -- Ferruccio Busoni, Enrique Granados, among others.

The recurring motives based on tritone intervals -- alleged 'devil's chords', as in the title track -- evoke chaos, but never succumbs to it. However, the notion of episodic structure has been preserved, in its entirety.

To be sure, there's no attempt to 'entertain' here as there's no reference to popular culture. However, every effort has been made to bring out the very best of this 1887 Steinway, which was expertly tuned and prepared prior to the session.

Work on Dreams began in my sleep in late 2013, and crystallized just before the session. Extended improvisation on compound tonal centers has yielded unexpected rhythmic effects not associated with Jazz, as a genre.

Snap, Tap, Collect was written in memory of my late colleague Robert Houtman, a master percussionist and MIT-trained nuclear engineer; a great genius whose kindness is sorely missed.

The program concludes with the rare McCoy Tyner composition Planet X, and is based on my transcription. Thanks to Mr. Tyner and staff for issuing mechanical license on this piece.

Recording by Patrick O'Connor and Tim Jones
OTR Studios, Belmont; July 8, 2014.
Dreams and Snap, Tap, Collect by James D. Armstrong, Jr. (BMI).
Planet X by McCoy Tyner (Aisha S. Tyner DBA Aisha Music Company).
Album cover / digital image 'A Letter' by
Hiroko Sakai hirokosakaifineart.com