Notes on "Blues without Barlines"

(Notes by Peter Saltzman)

Blues without Barlines does in fact have barlines. This is really a blues recitative, and like operatic recitative it sets up a vocal piece—in this case Force of Nature. Declamatory statements made by the full band alternate with improvised solos by individuals and small groups. I liked the idea of having Jill Kaeding (cello) and Jim Gailloreto (sax), who are married, doing a solo together. Ben Wedge (viola) and Mark Agnor (violin), who are not married, also contribute a beautiful improvised solo. And the form is in fact a blues—more or less.

Part 1

• Prologue
• Unity
• I Was There
• Indeterminacy
• Sooner or Later
• Shekina's Dream
• Interlude
• Quantum Funk
• Quantum Reprise
• Broken Vessels
• Oseh Shalom

Part 2

• Living In Another Time
• Superstrings
• Blues without Barlines
• Force of Nature
• Searching
• Finale
•  
• Main Music Page