David Baker Prize in Composition

Sam Blakeslee’s “Slow Growth/New Growth” suggested a composer working in the realm of the Modern Jazz Quartet, albeit with larger instrumental forces. The pervasive lyricism and sense of elegance that defined the piece affirmed that the MJQ ethos still wields influence at this late date. Though Blakeslee conveyed an obvious gift for melody, the repetitive nature of the piece called for some editing, while its unadorned phrase-making needed greater textural and harmonic complexity.