Thirty-One Days

Track Listings

1. Solo Version (17:21)

2. Ensemble Version (18:57)

Editorial Reviews
Dean Suzuki, Sound Choice
"Composer Duckworth took some chances when he wrote 31 Days. Whereas all of his previous compositions were fully notated, he wanted to take advantage of alto saxophonist Michael Swartz's impressive improvisational skills. His score includes seven sections with notated melodies as well as graphic notation. Though each section is repeated, they are similar, but not identical, as they are reinterpreted. Swartz gives a very colorful and thoughtful reading in a solo version. Over 17 minutes long, it presents a challenge to the listener as the solo saxophone wends its way through this difficult work. Though musically quite different, one can't help but think of artists such as Sonny Rollins and Ned Rothenberg. An ensemble version with 7 over dubbed tracks makes perfectly clear both the formal structure and the freedom which manage to co-exist in this work which is ultimately a collaboration of equal partners."