Current Reviews
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August 1, 2024Ceaseless StaircaseThis work for six performers is an exploration of confined space, inspired by M.C. Escher’s works.
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August 1, 2024Toucan Summer“Toucan Summer,” Kirk Gay’s first original composition for steel band, is written in a very recognizable form.
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August 1, 2024NatJimOne may assume that a duo formed from trumpet and drums would not be very musical.
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August 1, 2024Modern American Percussion ConcertiLee Hinkle collaborates with colleagues, students, and staff to perform three percussion concerti from modern American composers.
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August 1, 2024IntraIntra is a unique combination of computer-generated sequences and human interpretation.
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August 1, 2024In the Midst of DarknessAndy Harnsberger’s compositions are quickly becoming some of the most virtuosic and exciting works written in recent years, and those found on this album are no exception!
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August 1, 2024Good TroubleThis offering from drummer Matt Wilson pays tribute to late Civil Rights icon Representative John Lewis.
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August 1, 2024For PercussionFor Percussion is a collection of six electronic tracks with various acoustic elements incorporated into the recordings.
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August 1, 2024The Complete American RecordingsDrummer Phil Haynes formed 4 Horns & What? in 1986, envisioning an ensemble that could play a wide range of dynamics without amplification.
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August 1, 2024Rock Grooves in Odd TimesRock Grooves in Odd Times attempts to assist drummers in developing their facility to play in a rock style while navigating odd time signatures.
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August 1, 2024Temple MountainIt is difficult to find timpani solos that are musically interesting without being overly virtuosic, prohibitively esoteric, or repeating the same pieces over and over.
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August 1, 2024EurobeatThis drumline feature is to be played in the style of drumset artist Jojo Mayer.
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August 1, 2024Snare Drum AdventuresWhat an incredible piece for solo snare drum!
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August 1, 2024We’re Livin’ In Odd TimesJoel Rothman has provided another excellent addition to snare drum pedagogy.
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August 1, 2024The Snare Drum VirtuosoThis 140+ page book centers on a variety of snare drum rudiments, performance approaches, sticking styles, and polyrhythms with an overarching aim to bolster a player’s development of technique.
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August 1, 2024Flams, Ruffs & RollsThis method book, as stated in the foreword, is purposefully focused on three techniques that form the basis of rudimental drumming: flams, ruffs, and rolls.
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August 1, 2024Finding the Groove: Lessons from a Life in Drumming, Teaching, and PerformingJeremy Steinkoler’s anecdotal book Finding the Groove is a warmly written memoir that surrounds itself with pep talks, technical instructions, history lessons, philosophical discussions, and autobiographical musings in an open and conversational style that readers will find inviting and honest.
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August 1, 2024VestigesAs an educator, I have long valued Eric Rath’s compositional output.
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August 1, 2024Tank TimeFor maximum success, young musicians need new concepts introduced to them in a steady, methodical, and logical fashion throughout their educational journey.
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August 1, 2024Stand Music“Stand Music” is a short novelty trio for beginning percussionists.
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August 1, 2024OnsraWhen I initially glanced at the instrumentation for “Onsra,” my immediate impression was that this would be yet another predictable “concert percussion” adaptation of front ensemble writing, but I was only half-right.
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August 1, 2024NumericalsThere is always room in the repertoire for multi-percussion chamber music that calls for a small setup, and you can’t go wrong with a mix of wood and skins for timbres.
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August 1, 2024Gotta Git Gittin’According to composer David K. Bakken, “Gotta Git Gittin’” is a swing chart inspired by the idea of taking action to achieve one’s goals.
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August 1, 20245 Champs“5 Champs” is a modern take on “Three Camps” and features alternating 5/8 and 6/8 time signatures.
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August 1, 2024Clangor“Clangor” would be an effective opening piece on a high school or college undergraduate percussion ensemble concert.
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August 1, 2024Bulb Horn PolkaThis piece is described as “a fun-filled, action-packed two-and-a-half minutes of circus-like fun for nine percussionists.
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August 1, 2024Whispers of NatureGábor Palotás has composed a charming suite of three miniatures titled “Whispers of Nature.”
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August 1, 2024Until Next TimeAccording to composer Benjamin Holmes, this lyrical piece for solo vibraphone “explores the emotional journey of departure and anticipation of reunion.
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August 1, 2024Finding HomeThis new solo was written while the composer was playing around with some different permutations that he found interesting.
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August 1, 2024A Chill in the AirThere will always be room for easy-to-learn, idiomatic marimba solos that help increase technical abilities on the instrument. “A Chill in the Air,” paying homage to the autumnal atmosphere in Pennsylvania, does just that.
