Lessard-Blowbang (SP)-V/P/ASX

Blowbang is a challenging duet for alto saxophone and percussion that is divided into three sections presented without pauses. The first section, subtitled "Up and Down, Back and Forth," introduces many of the symmetrical materials that will be used throughout the piece. Symmetrical gestures, where one performer plays an ascending figure while the other performs a descending one, feature prominently in this section, as do mirrored rhythms and retrograded metric structures. These opening materials give way to the work's middle section "Interlude - Lockjaw Blues," which reframes many elements of the first section into jazzy figures which draw additional inspiration from the performance style of saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. The third and final section, "Climax Finale," continues building on the symmetrical metric structures of the opening, pulling the ensemble apart and pitting the two performers against each other before they finally come together for an exciting conclusion.

Additional Information:

• Number of players: 2
• Difficulty: Intermediate/advanced
• Instrumentation:
• Player 1: Vibraphone, kick drum, 2 concert toms, 2 congas, 2 bongos, suspended cymbal, splash cymbal
• Player 2: Alto saxophone