Robert Plant Presents the Sensational Space Shifters perform Black Dog live from Boston's B of A Pavillion in June 2013

Robert Plant Presents the Sensational Space Shifters - 'Black Dog' Live from Boston

Smoke On The Water - Deep Purple

Dawn fieldrecording in Nonsuch Park photobombed by grey squirrels. 13th April 2024

Springtime Grey Squirrels (Nonsuch Park at Dawn April 2024)

Overview

This piece was influenced by Kenny Wheeler, in particular his composition ‘Mark Time’ to which I allude in the title. It also features a 12/8 time signature reflecting that of “Mark Time”. It modulates every three bars in the Head, in reference to the ‘Modulating Modality’ in the title. The piece is in a Modal Free Jazz style. Influences include “Flamenco Sketches” by Miles Davis, and
“Peace Piece” both of which have frequent modulation.

Form and Structure

The piece is a long form, through composed 21 bar form with an intro of two bars. It transitions through a variety of modes and has seven sections, each of three bars, which all make use of a
different mode.

Intro - Chorus - Solos - Chorus Out

Harmonic Derivation

The piece transitions through the modes from Phrygian in a random order.

• Bars 1-3: G# Phrygian.
• Bars 4-6: C# Phrygian.
• Bars 7-9: A Aeolian.
• Bars 10-12: G# Phrygian.
• Bars 13-15: D Dorian
• Bars 16-18: E-flat Aeolian.
• Bars 19-21: C Lydian.

Phrase Structure

A(3-5), B(6-8), C(9-11), D(12-14), E(15-17), F(18-20), G(21-23).

Melodic Style

The melody is in the mid register and is characterised by step-wise motion with the odd intermittent leap. The Phrygian mode in G# from bars 3 - 5 and 12 - 14 and in the Intro allude to Flamenco music, a further reference to Miles Davis’ “Flamenco Sketches”. Scalic runs in the key of C Lydian are featured in the last three bars.
Finally, there is rhythmic repetition, for example the rhythm of bar 19 replicates that of bar 5 and also bar 11 replicates that of bar 23.

Notes on Recording

Violin, Piano, Double Bass.
Unison presentation of tune, free solos over form.

Marking Modulating Modality Piano Violin Bass

"Theme One" was originally written in the 1960s by George Martin, the "Fifth Beatle". The cover by Van Der Graaf Generator was then used as an anthem for "The Friday Rock Show" with DJ Tommy Vance, which ran on BBC Radio 1 in the 1970s and 1980s.

This is my interpretation, which I imagine is how George Martin may have intended it to sound. This is how I created it:

1. I played it on my Viscount Chorum S80 organ with the MIDI output hooked into Logic Pro.
2. Recorded the MIDI.
3. Bounced it down using the Vintage B3 instrument sound.

The result sounds as though it was played on a Hammond Organ! What do you all think? Feedback welcome.

Theme 1 Vintage B3

Information about Drake Music’s Future Leaders programme.  

The deadline for applications is 9am on Wednesday 2nd July 2025. 

If you need help to apply, email Deborah at info@drakemusic.org  

 

You can find the application information and application form in a range of different formats on our website: https://www.drakemusic.org/about-us/recruitment/future-leaders-2025-26-applications-now-open/  

Future Leaders - About the programme - Section 5: About the programme

I am a composer/arranger for screen, experimental sonic artist and multi-instrumentalist, playing piano, organ and double bass across jazz, classical and  pop genres.

Marking Modulating Modality Piano Violin Bass

Jamie Robertson Music

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