Review

John Sweden
Coffee and Cake:

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

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

The aptly titled Coffee and Cake is a veritable dessert piece for the bass trombone repertoire. It is written for renowned bass trombonist Jonathan Warburton. Although it begins with a slow, dramatic introduction, the balance of the work is an energetic romp in simple ternary form. Its outer A sections are cast in a syncopated, repetitive pop style separated by a contrasting B section containing a lyrical jazz waltz.

The trombone part contains challenges but should be accessible to an advanced high school or college player. Its range demands are modest, a-flat1 to pedal GG, and its technical demands are reasonable, eighth note motion at quarter note=146. Negotiating the rapid syncopated lines and occasional large intervals are the performer’s chief challenge. Coffee and Cake should not overtax the trombonist’s embouchure and it will engage the audience. It is easy to envision this work as an entertaining recital encore.
 
-Paul Overly
Bob Jones University