Amina Figarova: Chicago Split

Ever wonder how jazz compositions get their titles? Inspiration leads to composition? That would make the most sense, though I've heard guitarist Pat Metheny play new tunes in concert with names such as "New Thing in E," the title being the very last detail to get nailed down. In the case of Amina Figarova's "Chicago Split," it was an event that occurred during the show of the song's unveiling: a good friend of Figarova split up with his girlfriend during the gig. As Figarova relates, this was a very good thing for the now-single man. Maybe I'm projecting here, but this tune does contain a burst of happiness midstream. The horns wind their way around a descending piano figure that seems to hold back a little. But then Bart Platteau slings out a very uplifting and bluesy flute solo, and the piece's entire attitude changes. Subsequent trumpet and piano solos extend the mood, which has shifted from slightly veiled pensiveness to an almost slinky joy. Or perhaps I really am projecting.