The Unique Perspective
of Drummers in the
Art of Composition
The Culminating Experience of Connor Kent
Berklee Global Jazz Institute 2019

Introduction

3

Performers:
Aaron Dutton: Alto/Soprano Saxophone
Luke Norris: Tenor Saxophone
Alonzo Demetrius: Trumpet
Noe Zagroun: Piano
Ben Jephta: Double Bass
Connor Kent: Drums and Percussion

20 Digits

Inspired by John Hollenbeck and Paul Motian

◈ Composition based on numbers (non-judgement)
4

7

6

1

9

6

3

0

5

2

5

3

4

6

5

3

3

6

7

7

20 Digits

Inspired by John Hollenbeck and Paul Motian

◈ Pulse change, “rhythmic reharmonization”

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

20 Digits

Inspired by John Hollenbeck and Paul Motian

◈ Use of rubato, free interpretation of melody
4

7

1

6

9

4

6

6

5

3

0

3

5

3

2

5

3

6

7

7

Crunch
Inspired by Bill Stewart and Eric Harland

◈ Familiar harmony, simple melody
◈ Odd phrasing
◈ “Zero Gravity”-inspired approach

Untitled

Inspired by Ari Hoenig, Ralph Peterson Jr. and Jeff “Tain” Watts

◈ Afro-Cuban styles mixed with swing

“Descarga Cachao” vamp

Untitled

Inspired by Ari Hoenig, Ralph Peterson Jr. and Jeff “Tain” Watts

◈ Odd phrasing and metric modulation

Untitled

Inspired by Ari Hoenig, Ralph Peterson Jr. and Jeff “Tain” Watts

◈ Melody came from voice memo recording

5 Over 9

Inspired by John Hollenbeck

◈ Piece inspired by 5:9 polyrhythm

5 Over 9

Inspired by John Hollenbeck

◈ Applied new harmonic concepts
⬥ (add2) and (add4) harmony

◈ Focused on orchestration (roles and registers)

Future
Goals

18

Thank you

Performers:

Berklee Global Jazz:

Aaron Dutton: Alto/Soprano
Saxophone

Danilo Perez: Artistic Director

Luke Norris: Tenor Saxophone

Marco Pignataro: Managing
Director

Alonzo Demetrius: Trumpet

Chase Morrin: Advisor

Noe Zagroun: Piano

Terri Lyne Carrington:
Committe member

Ben Jephta: Double Bass

Production:
Liz Teutsch: Engineer
Nerya Zidon: Producer

Bruno Raberg: Composition
Professor
Thanks to my family, friends,
classmates, and teachers for your
continued support and encouragement