Double Take
Is based on an idea which occurred to me over many years of being a classical violinist by day and a jazz musician by night. The similarities between Baroque Music and Jazz are striking. Both are based on the rhythmic language of dance beats. Both have evolved a texture that springs from counterpoint between an anchoring bass line and melody, with improvised harmony that glues the two together. While there have been many crossover arrangements of Baroque pieces in a Jazz setting, I wanted to try something a little different. My idea was to focus on the most striking features of each of the works by Bach and Telemann and work those into original Jazz compositions that would reflect the spirit of the old works in a new way. I also wanted to allow for the free improvisation that is essential to the Jazz musician. The challenge of presenting the old and new works together in live performance was exhilarating and seemed to give fresh meaning to both. Capturing that exhilaration in recording was the next logical step.
I could find no better collaborators in this adventure than Nathan Santos, Bassist, and Peter Dugas, Pianist. Their multi-talents and insight have been invaluable.
If you have enjoyed the music on Double Take,
visit www. stanleychepaitis.com for more information, recordings and music by Jazz and Classical violinist,
Stanley Chepaitis
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