“Appears To Be” was written in 2024 for Red Shift. By this time the group had developed a very distinct sound, and this piece reflects that evolution. The opening section draws from modern classical influences—a style I explored extensively during the 1980s and 90s. The second section shifts into a more open, spacious sound, reminiscent of the band Oregon. I was particularly pleased with how the ending included the opening theme and tied the two sections together very nicely.
In a broader sense, this piece incorporates many of my favorite compositional elements. One is the use of relaxed, flowing chord changes contrasted with sections featuring more dense movement. I also value the interplay between chords that follow the rhythm of the melody and those that move more strictly within the meter.
RedShift live at the Bluebeet 5/1/2024
