I am a longtime fan of the Pat Metheny Group, and Bob Curnow’s transcription of their pieces are regular inclusions in Mississippi State University Jazz Ensemble concerts. I began this composition with the goal of creating a “Methenyish” work for concert band.
I started with two little ideas: a three note 7/8 time ostinato and a simple melody over a bass pedal. Very early in the process of developing these ideas, I realized that the rhythmic construction of my chordal accompaniment was identical to that of the main theme of The First Circle. Rather than going in a different direction, I decided to embrace the similarity and attempt to create a fraternal twin to the Matheny and Mays original. Second Time Around copies the form of First Circle and couples its rhythms, textures, and harmonic vocabulary with original material.