Review

Andrew Derrick
20 Jazzy Duets:

Coventry, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2008
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Primary Genre: Jazz Material - ensemble
Secondary Genre: Elementary Material - ensemble

This collection is conservative enough to be played by beginners… at least the first ten duets. Range is consistent with what most developing students are exposed to in band class or in a first year tutor. Keys are less conservative; six of the duets are given in sharp keys. The usual variety of meters and styles are used, including "Latin" (two sambas), jazz waltzes, funk, and ballads. The remainder are slow to medium-fast swing tunes. Numbers 15-20 could be graded intermediate due to increasing rhythmic and stylistic demands: e.g. No.15 is in 5/4 meter, shades of Brubeck. Ranges are conservative, low F to e1. None of the duos are more than 32 bars in length, some as brief as 12 bars. No chord symbols are provided, so the extended rests could be awkward. These duets could be a good way to close a lesson with a younger pupil or introduce them to styles they might not encounter elsewhere, or give them a head start if they participate in a school jazz ensemble, or simply to develop sight-reading skills. One wonders if the titles aren't a bit out-of-touch with today's youth, e.g. "Sloe Gin" or "Elvis the Pelvis," but these might be viewed as quaint, like the older styles of music being presented. Pick it up, if it fits your needs. There just isn't much suitable jazz material available at this level.

-Gerry Sloan
University of Arkansas