Portrait of Tracy

Portrait of Tracy has become one of the landmark pieces of jazz bass guitar repertoire, featuring the natural harmonics of the instrument to create an etherial quality. Written by the American jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius, this atmospheric composition soon established itself as a bass standard and a benchmark for other players to aspire to.

This is perhaps an unusual choice of piece to transcibe for saxophone quartet but with the right aproach to performance, it lends itself well to this kind of ensemble. Jaco's composition has been sensitivley scored for an unconventional quartet line-up of three soprano saxophones and one baritone. The three sopranos play the high floating bass harmonics, while the baritone holds down the pulse provided by the lower strings of the instrument.

This quartet requires incredible control, balance and ensemble flexibility, to create the gentle ambience.

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