shouting something vulgar

for solo alto saxophone (2024)
c. 7 minutes

Written for and premiered by Noah Stoker in Memphis, TN on October 31, 2024.

It has been several years since I've first discovered the powerful work of late African-American artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. The most striking part of his artwork, even beyond its reputation of vivid and jarring material and execution, is that it feels what I can only describe as "truthful". The depicted figures are grotesque, his line work is almost sloppy as if a child drew them, and they are, in themselves, cryptic and curious. Yet, it almost feels as if we have the opportunity to view the world from Basquiat's eyes -- his personal truth which he refuses to shy away from. He encourages us to enter his own world, not afraid of what others will think of his odd stylistic decisions and embracing his vision. It inspired the conception of this work, “shouting something vulgar”, and its underlying content, energy, and style and I express my gratitude to Basquiat's artwork for nding me the confidence to speak about how I feel about the current state of the world, my life, and the people around me.