Composition for cello and alto saxophone, part of a suite of pieces titled “Maurice.” The archive includes a cello part in holograph; there is also an archival recording of Hemphill playing the piece in a duo with Abdul Wadud.
From Marty Ehrlich: “Tightenin” is a multi-section work in 7/4, with a bridge in 7/8 and sections that are unmetered. It starts and ends with a long glissando.