S
63
This Is For Albert
Wayne Shorter
Song Description
“This Is For Albert” was composed by jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter as a tribute to his friend and fellow trumpeter Clifford Brown, whose real name was Albert. Brown passed away in a tragic accident in 1956, but his influence on jazz music remains profound. This piece reflects Shorter’s respect and affection for Brown, making it an emotionally rich composition.
Song Characteristics
The piece is a tender ballad, characterized by Wayne Shorter’s delicate melody lines and intricate harmonic progressions. While it follows the traditional structure of a jazz ballad, it incorporates Shorter’s unique harmonic language. The melody is simple yet deeply expressive, and the middle section allows soloists to showcase their individual styles.
Performance Tips
When playing this piece, it’s crucial to convey its emotional depth. Understanding the relationship between the melody and harmony and bringing out the nuances in each note is essential. In the solo sections, maintaining the emotional thread while expressing your individuality is key. Given the ballad nature of the song, the rhythm section should play subtly, guiding the overall mood of the piece with sensitivity.