Drifting Cowboys in a Mist (2012)

for string quartet

Erik Griswold

Drifting Cowboys in a Mist (2012)

A road trip through the deserts of California and Arizona was the
inspiration for Drifting Cowboys in a Mist. The passing scenery from
Route 66 and Interstate 40 through the western badlands and cactus
strewn landscapes rekindled my secret love of country and western.
Loading up Hank Williams (and the Drifting Cowboys) Greatest Hits on
my laptop, I began to absorb the Hawaiian tinged steel guitar of Don
Helms and the poignant fiddle solos of Jerry Rivers. As I studied and
analyzed their music I somehow began to draw a connections with
impressionism (Debussy), early jazz (Bix Beiderbecke - In a mist), and
Bartok (String Quartet No.3). All these influences merged together in a
wide ranging homage. I was delighted to have the opportunity to
compose this, my first string quartet, for Kurilpa String Quartet, who
bring immense talent, dedication, and inspiration to Queensland
Conservatorium.

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