Slow Burn Shuffle is a slow-tempo 12-bar blues improvisation in C, built on a classic shuffle bass with a different pattern from my previous shuffles. The melody includes modal and blues scale based motifs, tremolo 6ths, parallel 4ths and 5ths, and subtle jazz influenced harmonies.

This piece has a slow building, pensive and reflective feel — occasional bursts of energy are grounded by breath, and space. The improvisation plays with tension and release, groove and stillness, creating a “slow burn” dynamic that never fully erupts but always simmers. I was inspired by greats including Sammy Price, Dr John and Otis Spann; but instead of creating a pastiche, I used this inspiration to help shape my own voice.

Further listening