A driving composition. I was inspired from Kenny Werner's book on his ideas about composition. He suggests trying to write one bad song a day to combat writer's block.
Track 2: Melancholic Toes (Satomi Yarimizo)
I had always wanted to write a tune in 5/4 time, so I took this opportunity to compose something that would work for this quintet. The chord changes are inspired by the second half of "Giant Steps" by Coltrane. The tune was completed about two weeks before the recording date, and was named "Melancholic Toes" because everyone in the band had a huge kick out of seeing me wear a pair of five-fingered socks-- they are very popular in Japan.
Track 3: Manoa Mist (DeShannon Higa)
Oddly enough, this song came to me in the shower. It reminds me of sitting on a window sill on a rainy afternoon, listening to the sound of raindrops bouncing off the window.
Track 4: Jellyfish (DeShannon Higa)
One of my more groove-inspired tunes. I just love a good 3/4 R&B feel with a jazzy slant.
Track :. Bop Tribal (DeShannon Higa)
This was written as a theme song for the group, which I think encapsulates the driving energy and emotion of the ensemble.
Track 6: Tune 4 April (Reggie Padilla)
I wrote this ballad in April for my jazz combo class at New York University while attending graduate school.
Track 7: On The Edge (DeShannon Higa)
Written in the spirit of 60s Miles, it is free in terms of the chord changes and tempi during the solos. It is part of my journey as a composer to have the musicians solo over different sections, each one as distinct as the soloists themselves.
Side A: 1.One Bad Song a Day (R. Padilla) 2.Melancholic Toes (S. Yarimizo) 3.Manoa Mist (D. Higa) 4.Jellyfish (D. Higa) Side B: 5.Bop Tribal (D. Higa) 6.Tune 4 April (R. Padilla) 7.On the Edge (D. Higa) 8.Lemon Flavored Suede Shoes
(R. Padilla)
4:58
7:06
5:25
8:19
8:18
8:24
9:58
5:16
All Songs Published By: Pass Out Music Publishing (BMI).
