Film Noir for Low Brass

Genre/Style:
Low Brass Jazz

Creative Vision for the Track:
Inspired by Earle Hagen’s “Harlem Nocturne”. Capturing a film noir atmosphere for my trombone jazz ensemble. Nothing says '50/'60 noir like trombones with plunger mutes.

Composition Details (Tempo, Key, Main Chords etc):

  • Plunger mutes play a crucial role in creating the atmosphere.

  • 12/8 feel through most of the piece (see if you can find the 10/8 bars … there are two)

  • Bass trombone line is often doubled with bass and/or tuba. Predominantly below the bass clef it extends down to a pedal G. There is a close up of Scott Kruse (my bass trombonist) doing yeoman’s work with the trigger in order to play through the notes between Eb and B below the bass clef.

  • Extended harmonies (#9, 7alt, -11) chords throughout.

Main Instruments used:
Tenor trombones, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, piano, bass, drum set

I’m sharing this today because today would have been the soloist’s (Pete Keuer’s) 58th birthday. He passed way of cancer at the way too young age of 55. RIP, my friend.

Caution: Dark Alleys – Stan Bann

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