Systems – Grant Stewart

A challenging post-bop line, loosely based on "Rhythm changes." The melody is angular with a lot of skips. The second half of the A section has a distinctive pattern: a whole step up, a fourth up, another whole step up and a fourth down. This pattern is developed downward in the first A section but continues up in the second A and C sections. On the A sections of the head the changes are not actually played; the bass walks freely on B♭ major. Ihe bridge changes are the same as those of The Eternal Triangle. At the end of the second A section and C section, the melody ends on an A which is harmonized with an A triad over B♭. The solos use standard "Rhythm changes" for the A and C sections with the same bridge.

If you can't find the audio, check out our YouTube channel version.

About the arrangement: The two tenor saxes play in unison for much of the head, harmonizing in a few places. They are in fourths and fifths on the third and fourth measures; the first A section ends on a third (F and D). The second halves of the second A section and C section are voiced all in fourths, going to a sixth (A and C♯) at the end. The last measure of the bridge is harmonized in thirds.

Rhythm section players should get the Condensed Score.