Eleven

This song is minimalist in nature. It uses parallel harmony and is cyclical, moving in three sixteen-measure phrases, that are mirrored in ascending major thirds.  The melody and harmony are based on minor 11 structures, with the melody shaped using the sonority of the 11th, moving and connecting within the progression throughout the entire composition (with the exception of the very last note which resolves to the ninth in the last four bars of the composition.)

Instrumentation

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

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