White Funk (Under the Influence)

White Funk is inspired by the music and extended techniques of the Turtle Island String Quartet, a unique ensemble known for bridging the gap between jazz and more traditional styles. The title alludes to the fact that (mostly) white notes are used to create a groove, and the composition is under the influence of pop/jazz as well as classical idioms.

Performed by the Dynamic Motion String Quartet

White Funk (Under the Influence)

Nice performance!

I'm not sure if the themes are Funk or jazz per se, but whatever on that.

Classy orchestration already at 1:06. That was a nice subtle touch to have the wavering sul bridge.

I like the cello (or bass) work at 2:18. I didn't scream cheesy to have slap there.

The main theme doesn't do much for me, but it's not bad.

The section around 3:48 is a good driving rhythmic part.

A pretty chord to end it on, but I'm not sure if it shouldn't have been a more aggressive timbre...

Thanks for checking it out, Ferk. I'm glad the cello slaps don't sound cheesy! I'm with you on the end, actually. Morgri said a similar thing about the last chord not really jiving. I'll have to rethink that.

Wow -- I did NOT know white key only (for the most part) harmonies could sound like this :o That's amazing -- there's actually much richer harmonies here than you let on. It's kind of "septatonic" I suppose...:dunno:

Any way, I loved the beginning groove, and the introduction of the melodic passages in contrast to the rhythmically-focused one was very nice -- it's a very smart use of exploiting different forms for development. :nod:

What stood out to me the most though, was how much I was craving a fully 12-toned climax. The entire piece being basically white-key heaven worked the entire time, but I think having some more sleazy-fied harmonies for your ending would be the most epic thing possible and a fitting close to the piece. But that's only me -- it's very well written as it is, and if you're happy with it, just leave it. :)

Thanks for sharing, this is wonderful work! :D

Sleazy-fied harmonies? Haha, I'll take that into consideration. Thanks for listening!

Awesome piece! How did you get them to play it?

i don't know if it's because of "white", but it kinda reminded me of volans' 'white man sleeps'. it has that white feeling to it.

now as i think, almost racist white!

damn you, black orpheus.

very elegant and almost too beautiful

Okay. I gotta say, this is really awesome! I love those CDGA chords. Some of my favorites!

Orchestration seems quite nice. Couldn't tell though 'cause the score is gone. I'm in a string quartet, and maybe when we're all better, we could play this. Just a thought :)

Cello slaps work SO well. Percussive and really cool. I like string special effects!

Really nothing wrong at all. It was just... too cool!

Thanks for posting!

Heckel

Awesome piece! How did you get them to play it?

Thanks! The composers at my school get funding from the Student Association, so we were able to hire a string quartet to play a certain number of pieces.

i don't know if it's because of "white", but it kinda reminded me of volans' 'white man sleeps'. it has that white feeling to it.

now as i think, almost racist white!

damn you, black orpheus.

very elegant and almost too beautiful

Thanks, pliorius. I'll check out that song. And I'm glad you caught the backhandedness of the title :)

Orchestration seems quite nice. Couldn't tell though 'cause the score is gone. I'm in a string quartet, and maybe when we're all better, we could play this. Just a thought :)

I just posted the score in case you want to take a look, and if you want to play the piece that would be awesome. The original players seemed to really enjoy it, especially the cellist.