06/06/2014 (Continuous Resonance Project) Improv 1

Neil Welch, Continuous Resonance Project
Date: 06/06/2014
Location: Home studio in Clinton, WA (Whidbey Island)
Instrument: Tenor saxophone
Performed Acoustically

Notes:
Improvisation One

I worked at developing two different improvisations this morning. Both used single, tempered pitches for the melodic material, and this was the first of the two improvisations. I walked into my practice room battling a very low, melancholic mood that poured from my horn the moment I began playing. I immediately began recording and this piece emerged. What came forth was a kind of quiet, melodic ballad in the key centers of Gb Major and the relative Eb minor. This was largely a very mournful experience improvising this piece, but also with moments of absolute joy. It felt like I had walked an extraordinary journey, though having played for only a few minutes.

The image “Ballerina” (c. 1950) accompanying today’s post by Sabine Weiss.