COMPOSITION NOTES BY RHODA AVERBACH

A solo chart, commonly used in improvisational music, is a compositional "map" which lays out the desired structural parameters (such as time signatures, rhythmic patterns, chord progressions, number of measures, etc.) for the improvisational section of a musical work. The improviser builds a solo in accordance with these parameters. The chart has two important functions. First, it can be used as a performance guide to indicate to all of the players where, generally or exactly, the improvisation is going at any moment. Second, it can be used to unify the written and improvised parts of the music. A chart which integrates the two parts cohesively and meaningfully can be a work of art in and of itself, deriving from theoretical knowledge, interpretive insight, creative imagination and a sense of form. Whether simple or complex, the chart must embody, in a musically logical way, the essence of the writing, and at the same time afford freedom of expression, and independence, to the improviser. Construction of the solo charts was a vital part of this music. They were originally created by Mike over the years that the pieces were written, and during rehearsals for this recording, David also made many of his own personal additions. Together their input shaped the invisible outlines which were then transformed into the living dimensions of improvisation.

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