“He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below
He saw everything as far as you can see”
– Rocky Mountain High, John Denver
While some may find the drive along Interstate 70 (for the out of state folks: a high-traffic highway that runs east to west through the Rocky Mountains) a draining experience —especially on weekends or powder days— contemporary artist Jim Klein was inspired by the various landscapes and incredible views the highway offers its travelers.
A lifetime of driving along I-70 through Colorado has inspired a new symphony; working again with composer Ian Jamison, Jim discusses his next musical endeavor.
What are the themes I-70 seeks to explore?
Jim: This is a recollection inspired by the drive from Denver to Grand Junction, crossing the Continental Divide, and traveling through Colorado. The sights, the sounds, the stops. This project will take the listener on a road trip consisting of six movements, expressing the landscape’s history of ingenuity and natural beauty.
I. Floyd Hill
Jim: This movement takes the perspective of a trucker climbing up to Floyd Hill. Decades ago, I drove an 18 wheeler all over the state. Slowly chugging up the road in the right lane, cars flying by on the left, nudging up and up to get up the hill. It was slow, it was steep. There are signs on the downslope warning truckers specifically about the steep grade for a reason! If you missed a gear, you ran the risk of burning your breaks out; it can be an incredibly dangerous road. There are runaway truck ramps off each side of the highway for just those occasions. Trucks are much better equipped now but you still need to be aware of that hill!
While it can be nerve-racking, the views are worth it. Along the journey this is the spot is where you really see the mountains. The first movement follows along the climb up and over the hill, and seeing the snowy peaks ahead.
II. Eisenhower Tunnel
Jim: The second movement brings the traveller through the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel, a massive passthrough that carries the I-70 highway under the Continental Divide. This is the experience of going through the mountain. Without too much traffic, it only takes a little less than two minutes to get in and out, but the feeling of sitting in a car under a mountain can be intense. Everyone experiences this unique setting differently, but there’s a feeling of claustrophobia and unease. Within this short movement, the listener will experience quite a lot of melodies.
III. Pit Stop
Jim: As anyone who has been on a road trip will know, pit stops are a routine part of this journey but it can quickly become a race against time when the surrounding traffic doesn’t cooperate with your bodily needs.
We’ve all been there: the traffic backs up, the cars start to slow down… is there a gas station nearby or what?!
The movement builds and builds and builds. It’s a playful spin on a shared experience.
IV. Glenwood Canyon
Jim: The fourth movement takes the listener through the Glenwood Canyon, a beautiful and picturesque red-walled canyon the Colorado River flows through. It’s breathtaking and rugged, everyone should have the chance to travel through this truly Colorado icon. The movement has great flair and passion representative of the canyon, with somewhat of a Spanish aesthetic to the sound. It’s a great movement.
V. Hot Springs Pool
Jim: The fifth movement is inspired by the mineral hot springs and pools at Glenwood Springs. Driving by you’re able to see the many pools outside of the resort and the people inside relaxing and enjoying the mineral water. It’s a wonderful place to stop and rest after the long drive.
VI. Grand Junction
Jim: Finally, we arrive at the sixth and final movement; our road trip has ended at the town of Grand Junction. This movement embodies the spirit of Colorado, western and rowdy. It also explores the meaning of the area as a true junction, a fork in the road.
This symphony is playful, uniquely Colorado.