Nick Barber's English Selection by Nick Barber. For C Instruments. Songbook. British Isles. Beginning-Intermediate. Book. 40 pages. Published by Dave Mallinson Publications (MB.AP109). ISBN 9781899512775. British Isles. 8.25" x 11.75" inches. This book was compiled for musicians who, though competent on their instrument, would like some help getting involved in the English folk session scene. It follows on from a previous Mally publication, Nick Barber's English Choice. A music session is like a conversation, and in order to take part you need certain basic tools. If youire going to join in with the tunes you hear being played, you need to know which tunes to expect. And if you plan to learn these tunes, you will probably find a printed version of the tune useful. If you plan to start a set of tunes during a session, you need to know which tunes other musicians would be likely to know and join in with. This book aims to present a selection of tunes for this purpose. Because there is an element of fashion in the repertoire of any session, I have tried to select tunes which have been around for years, and which no doubt will still be played for years to come. Wherever possible I have noted the sources of the tunes. If you like a particular tune, I would urge you to pursue it a little and go to the source, whether this is a manuscript, a published book, a recording or a real live musician. In the words of Barry Callaghan, "Tunes. . . have a life story, and have participated in the life stories of the countless musicians who have played them. . . they all come trailing their history." He goes on to encourage us to "look for the life stories as we meet further tunes". You will notice that I have included a few tunes of French and Danish origin - these tunes have been taken on board by English session players, and are played in an English style.

A Cambridge Mass (Vocal Score) by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). For SATB solo, double chorus and orchestra. Vocal Score. Published by Stainer & Bell Ltd. (ST.D99). ISBN 979-0-2202-2301-3.

Earth Rhythms Catalog Volume 2. (Rhythms from the Balkans, Near East and Middle East). By Ivan Krillzarin. For Percussion. Rhythm/Backup. World Music. Multiple Levels. Book + Online Audio. 72 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.21403). ISBN 9780786675784. World Music. 8.5" x 11" inches. The most complete and comprehensive book ever published on Dumbek (Darbuka) rhythms. Transcribed for Drumset, Bongo and Bass, Earth Rhythms Catalog Volume 2 covers traditional folk, ceremonial, festival and belly dance rhythms of the Balkans, Near East and Middle East. (Includes Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Greece, Turkey and more.) Accurately transcribed and recorded these authentic and ancient rhythms are presented in a format that is applicable to all levels (from beginners to advanced) of drummers and bass players. The 63 great rhythms on the companion audio are a fabulous source of information for all musicians and composers. Earth Rhythms Catalog Volume 1 is available from Mel Bay Publications (MB20071BCD) and presents rhythms from Africa, Brazil, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Scottish Airs and Dances for Two Violins. (or Solo Violin). By Anne C. Witt. For Violin. Solos. Bill's Music Shelf. Scottish. Beginning-Intermediate. Book. 32 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.22250). ISBN 9780786683383. Scottish. 8.5" x 11" inches. The twenty-five pieces in this collection date back to eighteenth and nineteenth century Scotland. Music was passed around among professional and amateur musicians, hand copied, and ended up in slightly different versions in many collections. The Airs were originally songs or for solo violin. The Dances - strathspeys, reels, jigs, a hornpipe, and the sword dance - were originally for fiddle or bagpipe. The book is arranged as a program from beginning to end - from sunrise, with "Ossians's Hymn to the Sun," to sunset, with the lullaby "O, Can Ye Sew Cushions." And no Scottish evening is complete without "Auld Lang Syne" as a finale. But one can, of course, choose to play a selection. Three of the airs are Gaelic songs. Others are tunes for which Robert Burns and other poets wrote lyrics. Two airs were composed for the violin - "Neil Gowis Lament for the Death of His Second Wife" and the anonymous "Killiecrankie,." The dances were played by fiddlers or pipers. They played (and still play) many of the same pieces. One example is "Gillie Callum," the sword dance. Originally a bagpipe tune, its range was expanded beyond the pipes' nine notes and it became a fiddle tune. The composers are anonymous except for pieces by Niel Gow (1727-1807), his son, Nathaniel Gow (1763-1831) and William Marshall (1748-1833). Niel Gow was the preeminent violinist of his day. All three composed many fiddle tunes for Scottish country dancing. Most of the pieces are presented in sets of two, and they should be played without stopping in-between, as they would be performed at a country dance. Metronome markings are given as a guideline. Guitar chords are included ad libitum. Since the first violin generally has the melody, the pieces can also be played by solo violin. The music of Scotland is unique. The airs have their own special beauty. The dances are fun to play, with lively tempos, dotted rhythms and sudden key changes. This music has long been the pleasure of country fiddlers and pipers. These new arrangements for two violins are perfect for student and teacher as well as violin colleagues.

Bongo Grooves for Beginners by Alan Dworsky. For Percussion (Miscellaneous). Methods. World Music. Beginning. DVD. Duration 58 minutes. Published by Dancing Hands (MB.22235DVD). Learning to play the bongos has never been easier than with this new DVD from Alan Dworsky, the award-winning author of "Conga Drumming" and "How to Play Djembe." Designed for the first-time hand drummer, this video teaches fun, funky grooves that fit with all kinds of music. The instruction is clear and step-by-step, with no boring exercises. Each pattern is taught with overhead and side views, and slow motion is used to help make sure every detail is clear. The techniques used in this non-traditional approach are easy to learn and easy on the hands. Each lesson has a matching play-along track to practice with. The DVD comes with a PDF file with charts of all the patterns, and there's a section on the video explaining how to read the charts. Also included are tips on tuning and how to hold the bongos, explanations of basic rhythmic concepts, and examples of how to use the grooves to play along with recorded music or jam with friends.

Danza Espanola nr. 2 by Enrique Granados (1867-1916). Arranged by Wim ter Hedde. For 2 guitars. Published by Van Teeseling (VT.VT-243).

An Island Fair by Guinness. Mark Records. Irish. Audio CD. Published by Mark Custom Music (MK.2253-MCD). Few ensembles can bring the energy and excitement to life like Eddie Green and the University of Houston Wind Ensemble. With the help of transcription master Merlin Patterson we hear the "Procession to the Cathedral from Lohengren" Wagner and Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring". We also are treated to the "Manzoni Requiem" Verdi/arr. E. Mollenhauer - and contemporary work "Short Ride in a Fast Machine" John Adams. About Listening CDs Listening CDs are traditional music recordings. Listening CDs make a great educational supplement - hear exceptional professionals play the music you're learning! Or, just enjoy listening to the music you love.

Silver & Gold by Guinness. Mark Records. Irish. Audio CD. Published by Mark Custom Music (MK.2705-MCD). About Listening CDs Listening CDs are traditional music recordings. Listening CDs make a great educational supplement - hear exceptional professionals play the music you're learning! Or, just enjoy listening to the music you love.

Images From the Czech Republic by The Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic. By Various. For band. Mark Masters. Audio CD. Published by Mark Custom Music (MK.3955-MCD). About Listening CDs Listening CDs are traditional music recordings. Listening CDs make a great educational supplement - hear exceptional professionals play the music you're learning! Or, just enjoy listening to the music you love.

Cycles: Ireland Tour 2002 by Ithaca College Choir. For choir. Mark Records. Audio CD. Published by Mark Custom Music (MK.4267-MCD). About Listening CDs Listening CDs are traditional music recordings. Listening CDs make a great educational supplement - hear exceptional professionals play the music you're learning! Or, just enjoy listening to the music you love.