alone together (2012)

is a set of two pieces for alto saxophone. I have always been fascinated by the idea of “compound melody,” a single-line instrument expressing more than one contrapuntal part. Taking that concept a bit further, “can(n)on: alone together” is a two-part canon played by a single saxophonist. Thinking about being by oneself, but being in a group at the same time led me to Eric Dolphy’s 1963 recording of “Alone Together” with bassist Richard Davis on the album . The title of my work is taken from this inspiration. I have long admired Dolphy’s ability to create lines that are both disjunct and lyrical, seemingly at the same time. The second piece in this set “(dis/mis/re)placed” is my way of expressing a similar idea.