Blue Sensations

Aidan P.

• Artist Statement

  "Blue Sensations" is a saxophone quartet that fuses harmonic and rhythmic elements of modal jazz with contemporary classical music. The word “blue” is ubiquitous in the jazz world: from the blues to blue notes, it represents sentiments of melancholy, calmness, expressiveness, and ultimately, persistence. The piece’s energy is volatile and unpredictable with sudden changes and contrasting sections, each portraying a unique aspect of “blue” yet tied together by the reappearing “blue” leitmotif. With fanfare gestures, chorale-like passages, and fugal counterpoint, the inconstant change of textures mirrors the spontaneity of jazz improvisation. The piece’s harmony draws inspiration from Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue” album, quartal harmony, Dorian mode, and altered chords. Commissioned by a saxophone quartet looking for a “fast, modern, jazz-influenced” piece, composing “Blue Sensations” has allowed me as a composer to explore the unique intersection of two of my compositional styles and find a voice that feels uniquely me.

• Creative Statement

  To me, creativity is about being comfortable with no plan and having confidence on my own abilities. By nature, there are no answers to creativity and creating art is a tough process. I embrace a confidence in myself that by simply being spontaneous, I will create something that reflects myself.