Desert Transport

In the score program notes, Bates described the work as "combin[ing] mechanistic rhythmic figuration and expansive desert sonorities.

Reviewing the world premiere, Richard Nilsen of The Arizona Republic wrote, "The music, lasting a short and pleasant quarter-hour, takes us on a sonic helicopter ride over Sedona and Montezuma Castle.

"[2] Mark Kanny of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review described the composition as "accessible music full of creativity on many dimensions — from sonority to inventive developments within his thematic material.

"[3] Andrew Druckenbrod of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette lauded, "Although it includes a recording of Pima Indian song in the last movement, the work is devoid of Mr. Bates' usual electronica but none of his characteristic imagination."

He continued:Desert Transport begins with the orchestra alluding to the rotors of the helicopter slowly turning before depicting the arid landscape, with its famed red rocks, seen from above.

Desert Transport was inspired a helicopter flight over the Arizona landscape, including Montezuma Castle and Sedona (pictured).