ROUNDABOUT
for percussion trio
Publisher: C. Alan Publications (2018)
Composed: 2017
Duration: 3’30”
Difficulty: Medium
Instrumentation (3 players): woodblock, snare drums (2), high tom, low tom, ride cymbal, splash cymbal, china cymbal, hi-hat, cowbell, bongos, bass drum
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The title of this work – Roundabout – is in reference to its two key elements: first, the circular set-up of the ensemble surrounding a single, shared ride cymbal; and second, the incorporation of various licks and pseudo-melodic or rhythmic fragments from jazz standards. Listen closely and you can hear a bit of “Oleo” by Sonny Rollins, “Scrapple from the Apple” by Charlie Parker, “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Louis Prima, “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Billy Strayhorn, “Spain” by Chick Corea, and even a brief nod to “Roundabout” by the progressive rock band Yes. In addition to the centrally located, shared ride cymbal, the other instruments utilized are typical components of a drumset, along with a few commonly found Latin percussion add-ons. The key to a successful performance of this work lies the precise alignment and cooperation of the ensemble to present the trio as if it were performed a single drumset player.

“Roundabout” uses a split-apart version of a drumset with Latin percussion elements dispersed between three players to create a hocketed contemporary percussion ensemble trio with strong jazz influences … a groovy addition to a percussion ensemble for players with strong drumming and ensemble skills – Marilyn K. Clark Silva
Printed by permission of the Percussive Arts Society, inc.