Review

Lew Gillis
Ten Duets :

Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 1986
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

Lew Gillis (1927-1989) was a trombonist and versatile composer who arranged music for the orchestras of many road shows, including those of Bob Hope and Glen Campbell, as well as composing film scores, jingles, and music for rodeos and Miss Texas Pageants. Mr. Gillis is probably best known to trombonists for his two bass trombone method books: 20 Etudes for Bass Trombone and 70 Progressive Studies for the Modern Bass Trombonist, as well as his two collections of duets for bass trombone.
 
Gillis’ 10 Duets for Bass Trombone has been in print since the mid-1980’s, and are playable on bass trombone or tuba or combination. They are appropriately challenging for collegiate players as well as professionals. Good technique in the low-register is a must for both players as Gillis is not afraid to write melodic parts in the double-trigger and pedal registers. The duets are 1-2 minutes in length and are not only great for working on sight-reading, they also encourage good chamber music skills. Both parts are responsible for melody and accompaniment and the composer does a nice job of equally distributing both roles to each player.
 
The composer’s background in commercial music really comes through in these duets; style varies greatly from piece to piece. Their melodic and harmonic material is generally simple and easy to hear, while the variations in style help to keep each duet sounding fresh and interesting. These duets are fun and do not take themselves too seriously (generally preferred with any bass trombone duet!) and range in style from sweet lyrical ballads, to ragtime, to glissando-filled marches. Their character and intent is best described by the composer: “These duets were inspired by my desire for those who had chosen bass clef as a release for their musical inhibitions while listening one day to the flatulent sounds of two bass trombonists gone berserk.”

-J.J. Cooper
New York, NY