Traditional Balkan music currently enjoys incredible popularity in both band, pop and dance music culture. Whether in its more 'rootsy' form or in the heavily studio-produced contemporary grooves, this etho-musical style displays instantly recognisable Balkan characteristics.
Traditional Balkan music currently enjoys incredible popularity in both band, pop and dance music culture. Whether in its more 'rootsy' form or in the heavily studio-produced contemporary grooves, this etho-musical style displays instantly recognisable Balkan characteristics. Going East was written to serve as an introduction to some of the more obvious nuances of Balkan Brass music:
Modal harmony with swift major / minor contrasts plus a lot of emphasis of the dominant of the key in which the piece is set.
The presentation of the main melodic material in intervals of 3rds / 6ths and Ostinato-like bass line with off-beat accompaniment.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music.
