Cognitive Activity – Justin Robinson

True to the title of the original recording "The Challenge," this uptempo song features unusual harmonic motion that's a real workout to solo on. Rhythm section hits are played on both the melody and solos.

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Recording: Justin Robinson - The Challenge
Recorded on: April 14-15, 1997
Label: Arabesque Jazz (AJ 0137)
Concert Key: F
Vocal Range: , to
Style: Swing (uptempo)

Alto Sax - Justin Robinson
Piano - Stephen Scott
Bass - Dwayne Burno
Drums - Dion Parson

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Justin Robinson - Cognitive Activity

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An uptempo workout packed into a compact form. This 16-measure song is a workout in stepwise, parallel chord motion. The changes repeat a four-measure cycle three times, with the last four measures different; these chords move only in steps or thirds, with no V-I progressions. All the chords are major or dominant, with sharp 11ths except for the final Bmaj7. The melody is smooth and ties the chords together; it's a great place to start when working on creating lines over these advanced changes.

The rhythm section adds an extra layer to this song. In the first 12 measures of both the head and solo forms, the rhythm section doesn't play time but instead plays a series of hits, a two-measure "bossa clave"-like pattern. The last four measures of the head feature different hits, but the rhythm section plays time on these measures in the solo form.

"The Challenge" was Justin Robinson's first recording with drummer Dion Parson. Later in 1997, both played on vocalist Jeffery Smith's album "Down Here Below." A lineup similar to "The Challenge" with tenor saxophonist Ron Blake instead of Justin Robinson appears on one song on Stephen Scott's 1996 album "The Beautiful Thing;" Blake plays on four songs on "The Challenge" including No More Sacrifices.

Justin Robinson

born on August 14, 1968

Justin Robinson is an important member of the generation of jazz musicians who began their careers in the late 1980s to early 1990s. Justin got his professional start at age 18 in the Harper Brothers Quintet, making his first recording with them in 1988. Three years later, he made his first recording with Roy Hargrove, on pianist Stephen Scott's debut album "Something To Consider." Justin would continue playing with Roy for the rest of Roy's life. Read more...

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Cognitive Activity – Justin Robinson

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