Refractions of Time: Towards an Integrated Rhythmic - Melodic System for Improvisation

Abstract

This research is an auto-ethnographical study tracing my path toward incorporating numerical sequences into an improvisational vocabulary for the saxophone. It emerged from a desire to disrupt habitual patterns of rhythmic phrasing as well as from attempts to apply Greg Sheehan’s number-based rhythms to a monophonic melodic instrument. While these rhythms offer rich material for exploration there is limited guidance on how numerical structures might be translated into melodic-rhythmic vocabulary for pitched instruments. An engagement with rhythmic number sequences revealed that familiar pitch materials often reinforced habitual melodic responses creating the need for new pitch sets capable of supporting rhythmic complexity within melodic improvisation. Through studying the structure of the Ethiopian Anchihoye kinit I developed a template for creating and expanding a new set of hemitonic pentatonic scales. These newly constructed pitch sets integrated with number-based rhythms form the core inputs of this project. A personalised practice-led method was developed to familiarise these rhythms and explore their application alongside new pitch material. The resulting improvisational frameworks contained environments in which new rhythmic phrases could be absorbed into my improvisational vocabulary. While developed through saxophone practice this research outlines an adaptable approach to integrating number-based rhythmic systems into improvisation across a range of pitched instruments.