HUNTER
Jazz Composition
May 2024
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If you're just here for the recording, scroll to the bottom!
I. Introduction
UK CD1 Cover of Björk's 'Hunter'
This piece was composed as the final project for MUSC 1616: Jazz Composition Seminar at Brown University under Prof. Timo Vollbrecht. First, we had to compose an original jazz composition for our own ensemble, drawing from techniques discussed throughout the seminar. Then, we had to put a band together and arrange the piece for this band. Finally, we had to record the piece. My composition is based on a predator-prey narrative, drawing inspiration from the Björk track of the same name, and was created with film scoring techniques in mind.
II. Compositional Method
Process
The ‘seed’ for this composition was a short idea I had written for a previous assignment for this class on polyrhythms and metric modulation.
Not pictured: 12/8 time signature, Ab key signature
At first, I wasn’t sure how to expand on this idea. I was unable to articulate the feeling that this idea gave me, and for me, I need a tangible feeling to go further with a composition.
Some time later, Björk’s ‘Hunter’ came on from my playlist. It hit me that the phrase ‘hunter’ was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted the feeling of a predator/prey dynamic. After this, the rest came easily. I was loosely inspired by some elements of the Björk track (see: bassline in Part 1, trumpet melody in Part 2) but most of the piece is my own.
I wanted each section of the piece to highlight a different part of the hunting process (from the perspective of the predator). This resulted in four different sections, where in each section, a particular instrumentalist represents the hunter.
Hunger (piano) — predator feels hungry and begins searching for prey [0:00]
Stalk (trumpet) — predator has identified a particular prey to kill, but the prey remains unaware [1:52]
Chase (guitar) — predator makes a move; prey is now aware of the situation and makes a run for it [3:22]
Kill (everyone) — predator kills prey [4:18]
When I've composed in the past, it's often been based only on an abstract feeling. Since I've recently become interested in animation and films, I wanted to create a narrative-based composition this time around, akin to what you would find in a film score.
Techniques
While composing, I incorporated these compositional techniques discussed in the seminar:
Less-structured improvisation, à la Paul Motian: Part I has out of time improvisation from the pianist and the drummer, while the bass player and the guitarist are both in time.
Strong grooves: Parts II and III rely heavily on the groove from the rhythm section to set the tone of the section.
Minor blues: Part II uses a nontraditional minor blues with added chromaticism for tension and the feeling of movement.
Melody writing: the trumpet melody in Part II is inspired by Björk’s ‘Hunter’. I reworked it so that it would better echo traditional jazz standard heads.
Inspiration
Here's some of the music that influenced me while I was composing this piece.
III. Recording & Reflection
Score available upon request
I'm satisfied with how this recording came out! I wish it could have been cleaner, but given that these musicians gave me their time during finals week, for free, I can't complain.
Here's what I thought could have been better:
The drums in the fourth section are too busy. This is on me for not accurately communicating what I wanted via the score.
I got a bit self-indulgent in the improvised intro and spent too long there before getting into the head.
Here's what I thought went well:
The narrative of a hunt is well-communicated.
I was able to incorporate several techniques from the course.
Parts of the original Björk track were subtle but present.
The transitions between sections were smooth but showed clear contrast.
Given the circumstances, I'm pleased with my progress and how well I was able to bring my vision into fruition.
A massive thank you to my friends in the band: Sophia Wotman (trumpet), Dylan Heinstein (guitar), Emma Venarde (bass), and Ryder Lippman (drums)!
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