Technical Information 

flute and percussion

Premiered November 4th, 2022, Rice University

Ducan Recital Hall

Groove, in its essence, is dance music. Full of energetic and rhythmic gestures, this piece provides an experience that some could describe as a sonic house party.

Listener discretion is advised. Inspired by Afro and Afro-American musical expressions, Groove reflects styles from jazz, hip-hop, rap, and West African musical practices. This piece forges a dynamic dialogue not just between flute and percussion but also between Africa and her diasporas.

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The work begins with a solo flute cadenza inspired by Baka vocal practices (the Baka people are nomadic societies that live in the rainforest regions in West Africa. Their vocal music is most notable for its characteristic yodeling gestures and improvisatory embellishments). The lyrical, prayer-like melody quickly takes a life of its own through improvisatory-like embellishments before spiraling into a rhythmic groove.

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The piece utilizes a variation of a short rondo form, very similar to a verse-chorus form common in hip-hop and rap. West African drumming practices inspired much of the rhythmic groove of the work. The use of djembe (a West African hand drum), cowbell, and other African percussion call back to these practices. The melodic material references idioms very closely related to jazz and hip-hop. The piece even includes an improvisatory call and response between flute and percussion that invites the flutist to use techniques similar to beatboxing.

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Groove, full of fun and lively material, is intended to remind performers and listeners to keep dancing far beyond the double bar line.