Night at the Red Cat
A high-octane Latin jazz duet with an opportunity for improvisation
Music: Elizabeth Alexander
Each pianist plays a clearly defined role in this up-tempo Latin jazz duet. The Primo part features the energetic montuno, the main theme, and an improvised solo. The Secondo part is the rhythm section, which in a larger ensemble might include drums and bass. Although these two roles are quite distinct, adventurous pianists may enjoy exchanging roles halfway through the piece!
Details and Ordering Information
Composer Notes
I wrote Night at the Red Cat for my son Simon, an engaging duet partner and fearless improviser. But that’s not this piece’s only familial connection! The title comes from The Red Cat, an alternative theatre-bar my brother Stephen worked to establish in Portland, Oregon. (Yes, its name was a playful nod to the legendary 19th-century Parisian cabaret, Le Chat Noir.) Though my brother’s entrepreneurial dream was never fully realized, its collaborative spirit lives on in this fun, high-energy romp.
Performers
Premiere: Simon Alexander‑Adams and Elizabeth Alexander (St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN)
Arya Lal & Julia Milan (Weston, MA)
