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Flat Rat

by for-tet

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1.
Ditty 05:25
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2.
24/Tones 13:20
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3.
for-tet 04:58
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4.
Improv 06:10
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5.
LAF 06:13
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6.
Duo 05:05
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7.
Flat Rat 03:30
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about

All compositions by Dave Ballou except Improv which is by the members of the ensemble.

The “for-tet” is an ensemble of improvisers assembled for a performance on July 3, 2024, at Rhizome in Washington, DC. Although we had performed together before, I wanted to see what we could do with these compositions. But the intention was to perform these pieces with no rehearsal or discussion of the structure.

This performance was so memorable because of the group interactions and musical decisions. We understood right away that each piece provides the context, and we create the structure. When Walsh and Collin asked me to record for Shiny Boy Press, I thought this would be the perfect outlet for these compositions and this ensemble.

Two compositions are new: for-tet and Duo were created in the spring 2024. Ditty, 24, Tones, and Flat Rat were created for other concerts but finally found a home in the book of the for-tet.

LAF is dedicated to my mentor, friend and teacher, Laurie Frink. This also appears on my 2015 recording, Solo Trumpet.

Thanks to Aaron Irwin, Walsh Kunkel, Collin Schnitker, Adam, John and Mike.

credits

released February 13, 2026

Dave Ballou - trumpet, flugelhorn, compostions
John Dierker - bass clarinet
Adam Hopkins - acoustic bass
Mike Kuhl - percussion

Recorded 12/20/2024 and mixed on 3/6 & 7/2025
by Craig Bowen at Tempo House in Baltimore, MD.
Mastered by Edwin Kenzo Huet


© Shiny Boy Press 2026
shinyboypress.bandcamp.com

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Dave Ballou Baltimore, Maryland

Trumpeter/Composer Dave Ballou can be heard in a variety of settings; from solo trumpet improvisations to large ensembles performing notated compositions. His recordings as a leader can be found on the Steeplechase, CleanFeed and pfMentum record labels. Ballou is Professor of Music at Towson University in Towson, MD where he is the leader of the Jazz/Commercial Music program. ... more

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