City in Flight, part 3

In the two previous articles on “City in Flight” (part 1, part 2) I discussed the meaning behind this song: it’s about reading science fiction and entering another world.  I dedicated it to the first science fiction author I read, James Blish.  Now, in part 3, a bit behind the composition of the song.

“City in Flight” is the sixth song on handmade; I recorded it on two separate dates: December 21, 2006 for the conga drum parts, and December 30, 2006 for everything else.

The tempo on the drum parts was the fastest I have ever played.  The important thing was the contrast between the rubato section, which was slow and eccentric, and the driving Songo rhythm, which is fast, but smooth.  I wanted it to feel like gliding, not sprinting.

The chords are pretty simple; I played a syncopated, pushed-quarter-note bassline that oscillated between the tonal centers D and C.  Then, the guitar chords spell out Fmaj7 and Cmaj7.  These two instruments combine to make the chords you hear: Dm9 and Cmaj7.