Ken Bits, for two horns

by Paul Basler

$12

Ken Bits was written for and dedicated to Michael Paige, the 1993–94 Senior Fulbright Lecturer in international curriculum development (and fine amateur trumpet player) at Kenyatta University. The piece is in three short movements depicting various “events” during our year in Kenya. Jua Kali Repairman is a musical portrait of the ingenious artisans of Kenya who can fix just about anything with whatever is lying around (jua kali translates to “under the sun”). Sundowner is a quiet interlude, depicting that time of the day when one relaxes under a favorite tree, sipping a drink and talking with friends. Matatu Alert is a musical representation of the ever present, maniacal drivers and their small buses, joyfully terrorizing Kenyans and wildlife alike.