Tides (2020) by Emilio Teubal

“Tides” is a compilation of improvised and composed pieces for solo piano. The genesis of this music happened during a very compressed period of time in early 2019; all the pieces carry an underlying connection and an overall sense of unity. According to Teubal, 2019 became the year “…in which I personally became worried, aware and extremely conscious about what kind of planet I will leave for my son and his generation”. The title "Tides" refers to the impact of global warming on ocean levels and the subsequent damage it will cause. “Tides" also references the political oscillations surrounding government policies that threaten the chances of properly addressing climate change. Although Teubal did not initially intend this album as a climate change activist statement, these crucial environmental issues were present on an unconscious level. Consequently the music sounds and breathes these themes.

Teubal’s thoughts on the repertoire:

Preludio:

An improvised introduction or prelude to the following title track on the record. This short improvisation gained a life for itself so I decided to transform it into a separate tune. It developed further into an introduction or prelude to the whole album.

Tides:

The initial arpeggios of the piece create an oscillating and fluctuating texture that in some ways emulates movement of the seas. Once a clear melody emerges from underneath that texture, the piece turns into a minor tonality dark Waltz. The harmonic language of the piece draws both from modern Tango (specifically Astor Piazzolla’s music) as well as from guitarist Bill Frisell’s compositions which I really admire for their minimalistic construction.

Tortuga: (Turtle)

A fast 7/8 piece that was conceived and developed from an old pianistic trick, a repeated note, two hand motive. From there, the song evolved into a slow open improvisation that gradually gains speed. I wrote this piece for my partner Juliana Garber who really likes the Spanish word “Tortuga”.

Tiempo:

I wrote this piece in honor of my elderly father. The piece explores the concept of aging and its implications. This tune also relates to the overall theme of the album, taking into consideration the remaining time for action. What if it becomes too late to undo the damage we are causing to the planet?

Rio:

Once I finished this piece, I asked my then seven-year-old son about a suggestion for a title. He quietly listened to the piece once and without hesitation said, “Rio”. The title instantly fit perfectly because of several related themes and influences. Rio, Brazil is home to many influential popular composers of our time. The album "Rio" by Keith Jarrett and his solo piano work in general were also big musical influences on me.

Tectonic (plates):

An improvisation that emulated sounds from underneath the earth and more specifically sounds generated from a profoundly upset planet. Ancient civilizations, unlike ours, respected the earth mainly out of fear of potential consequences. Hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes were seen as a reaction by an angry planet.

Eyelashes:

A long initial impressionistic meditation that slowly builds and erupts into a Tango-like section of falling arpeggios. The ending of the piece quotes “Sin Pestanias” (Without Eyelashes) a piece featured on my first record “La Balteuband” and later adapted and arranged for a NY based Tango Sextet.

Playing:

Another two hand pianistic trick that evolves into a very playful C major piece composed for my son and nieces. The english word “playing” refers both to the act of playing music as well as what kids do all day. As a native Spanish speaker, I am fascinated by the duality of that word and the implication that mastering an instrument and performing music shouldn’t be different from playing with toys like kids do.

Postludio:

Blocks of high register chords end the record in a similar way to how it started. The album works both as a symmetrical mirror but also as an ascending and descending tide. Once the tide has passed, it leaves things drastically changed but in the same position as they were before.

Tracklist

1.	Preludio	0:58

2.	Tides	3:29

3.	Tortuga	4:39

4.	Tiempo	5:14

5.	Rio	5:06

6.	Tectonic (plates)	1:49

7.	Eyelashes	5:07

8.	Playing	5:04

9.	Postludio	0:53

Credits

released June 26, 2020

All music composed and arranged by Emilio Teubal (BMI)

Recorded by David Stoller at Hotel Samurai Recording Studios

Mixed and Mastered by Brian Forbes at Soda Aroma Studios

Produced by Emilio Teubal

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