Shut Up and Dance (1997)
s sax, b cl, tpt, tbn, pno, 2 perc, 2 vln, vla, vcl, db
Duration: 10 minutes
The musical language of Shut Up And Dance is heavily influenced by non-European ideas as well as ‘popular’ dance music. Deliberately, there is no attempt at combining the various strands: African and Brazilian rhythms glide past Indonesian gamelan with the whole supported by African drumming.In one continuous movement, the work remains in the same tempo throughout and consists of alternating verses and refrains. The refrains are scored for full orchestra exploring an endless sequence of chords which strive upwards underpinned by a full array of tom-toms in the percussion section.The title comes from the name of a New York nightclub and was composed in the summer of 1994.
First performed by Charlie Barber + Band at Djamogly Recital Hall, Nottingham University on 7 March 1997
with Simon Stewart (soprano saxophone), Christian Forshaw (bass clarinet), Alan MacDonald (trumpet), John Randall (trombone), David Appleton (piano), Simon Limbrick (percussion), Graham Bradley (percussion), Jeff Moore (violin), Tim Davies (violin), Rachel Stott (viola), Sharon McKinley (cello), Paula Gardiner (double bass)
Press
“A mélange of ethnic styles, mixing African and South American rhythms with Balinese gamelan and neo-classical orchestral textures, it aptly summarised the virtues of the composer’s endearingly eclectic approach.”
Phil Johnson, The Independent 13 March 1997
“Charlie Barber’s own work Shut Up and Dance exhibited the myriad of different influences and styles that have an effect on his composition: Contemporary, Jazz and World music gelled together forming a dazzling array of sound and colour.”
Angela Jennings, Nottingham City Lights, April 1997
Performances
| 07.03.97 | NOTTINGHAM | Djanogly Recital Hall |
| 08.03.97 | CARDIFF | Chapter Theatre |
| 14.03.97 | LONDON | RFH, Purcell Room |
| 29.07.99 | HAVERFORDWEST | Fishguard Festival |
| 14.08.99 | BRECON | Jazz Festival |
| 18.09.99 | LONDON | RFH, Purcell Room |
| 01.10.99 | CARDIFF | Chapter Theatre |
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