Salsabasco was written to fulfil a need to introduce students to some of the musical flavours of Latin-American music.
Salsabasco was written to fulfil a need to introduce students to some of the musical flavours of Latin-American music. Whether it is the melodies, harmonies, textures or (crucially) the rhythms; all musical components here are deliberate clichés of much loved Latin-American music that students are likely to encounter in their early musical explorations. The piece is set to the rhythmic undercurrent of a “2:3 clave” beat which, with the appropriate choice of tempo lends itself to an accessible entry point for the “Salsa” style. Ironically, shortly after composing this piece, I was asked to provide some appropriate music for young dancers and musicians in a “Salsa” style. “Salsabasco” ticked the box! J.M.
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.
