Common Ground

Common Ground was composed with the idea of creating a melody that consisted primarily of the perfect fifth interval. It's harmonic structure is cyclical and modulates through all 12 keys. The tune modulates each measure alternating between minor 7 and dominant 7 structures using what I like to refer to as the long cycle. Moving up (or down) a tritone followed by moving down a semitone. 

Here is a sample:

About the Composer

Over 100 performances of MacDonald's compositions appear on over 25 CDs. Kirk's recordings as leader focus on his own compositions and include Family Suite, an 11-part suite, Songbook Vol. I, and Vol. II, all for quartet. Kirk leads the Kirk MacDonald Jazz Orchestra (KMJO), a 19-piece all-star ensemble dedicated to performing his original compositions and featuring arrangements by leading Canadian and U.S. Writers. 

Instrumentation

Alto Saxophone 1           Alto Sax 1
Alto Saxophone 2           Tenor Sax 2
Tenor Saxophone 1
Tenor Saxophone 2
Baritone Saxophone
5 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Guitar
Piano
Acoustic Bass
Drums