Day 26: Bridges -build -burn

Brian Eno's "Oblique Strategies" have been amazing creative tools over the years. I first began using them while composing "In absentia" in 2009 (my first RPM Challenge album). For those of you who might be interested, there is an online version that will randomly deal cards to you, at this link: http://stoney.sb.org/eno/oblique.html

Last night, as I was mentally preparing for today's studio session, I pulled a final Oblique Strategy card; as always, it seemed perfect for this creative moment.

"Bridges -build -burn"

After all, wasn't it in fact a "bridge" that I was seeking? Something that could provide a transition from "Side One" into "Side Two"? In addition to the musical term, I also thought about actual bridges, and what their significance has been in my life. Of all the bridges that I've known, the one I thought about most strongly was a pedestrian bridge over the American River where I grew up.

The idea of "burning" the bridge made me think of disintegration, and loss of memory. With these images and feelings, I sat at my keyboard and began creating today's musical offering. This track uses 2 different loops (one on the Moog, one on the Juno) made up of 14 notes each, creating a 7/8 pattern over which an uneven piano figure is played. I'm not even sure where the downbeat is most of the time. I even figured out a way to use the rhythm track from Day 24. Here are the results.

Even though this track could easily develop into something much longer, I like the idea of resisting that temptation and keeping this purposely succinct. I want to really focus in on this and keep it short and simple.

Please share your impressions. What images or feelings does this music bring up for you?

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