Charcoal & Chalk
2015
Program Notes
In 2008 I composed a score for a documentary film about outsider aritst James Castle. Castle lived in rural Idaho in the early 20th century. He was deaf, and driven to create all type of visual art, and assemblage. A true " outsider" artist, Castle was self taught. His daily ritual involved going through the trash in his small town in Idaho looking for materials. The bulk of his drawings were done with charcoal culled from the fires in his small cabin home. I still find myself moved by the image of the incredible passion and will of this type of creative spirit; one with an internal vision and drive apart from any worldly validation. I started the piece with a very simple, humble folk tune (stated by the cello), with the idea that it would grow in unexpected and surprising ways. The addition of the improvisation for the flugelhorn ensures that each time the piece is done will be different and a product of the environment.
- Jeff Beal, August 2015 Los Angeles