Featured Video: JETT STREAM BLUE by David Wilborn

JETT STREAM BLUE is a commissioned work written for trombonist Jett Walker. The music was inspired by driving scenes of sports cars painted in a shade of metallic blue paint known as Jetstream blue. At one time, this color of blue was especially popular with the Chevrolet Corvette. Capturing these scenes was achieved with two movements of the music utilizing jazz styles separated by a slow lyrical ballade.

The opening movement (I. A Cool Ride) is in the style of a bebop. There are many moments of interplay between the trombone solo and the piano. The rhythmic interjections and the walking bass line in the piano capture scenes of hippness as attractive Jetstream blue colored sports cars are cruising down the roads in the heart of the city. The following section (II. Late Night Drive in the City) is a slow, lyrical contrast as it portrays a somber setting of sports cars quietly driving in a leisurely pace. The final section (III. Looking Good While Driving in Jetstream Blue) is upbeat with its light jazz/samba style. A brief middle passage captures rowdy sounds of sports cars revving their engines. The music ends strong with a return of the two opening themes and finishing with a big samba finale.

Although the name Jett Stream Blue is inspired from an attractive blue paint color, the title also references the name of the trombonist who commissioned the work – Jett Walker!