Almost six years is how long it took me to write E.P. The idea began when someone told me that they were surprised to hear of my background in popular music, considering I generally write somewhat conventional classical music. I’m not sure if that was a compliment or insult, but it got me thinking that writing for a rock quartet would be fun.
E.P. is divided into two sides, just as cassettes and vinyl records used to have. Side A starts with Hydrogen, a prelude for two instruments that circle around each other like the electron and nucleus of a hydrogen atom. It is followed by Bayside Road, a dark and solemn piece using a simple delay pattern to give a ghost-like quality. Crickets, a three-voice hocket with drum set, is an ode to the frottola El Grillo by Josquin des Prez. The first side finishes with a haunting Stoat, for solo electric guitar played exclusively with an e-bow (electronic bow). Immediately, side B starts with Amen, a piece concentrating on the use of the “Amen Break” and slap-bass. It is followed by Cat Burglars, which is a nod to old spy movies with their sneaky bass lines and abrupt stop, as if someone caught you breaking and entering. And the suite ends with the funk piece Black Bag, whose title comes from the color of the bag that stores give you when the items purchased need not be identified.
P.S. Yes, that is me playing guitar… with blond hair.