Double Take

Jamieson Carr

General Info

Release Date: 2009
Publisher: Tapspace
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 00:07:00
Price: $26.00

Description

Written for two multi-percussion stations configured in mirror image and split by a shared bass drum, Double Take launches at a blistering speed for nearly 7 minutes of exciting counterpoint. Each player rides a steady, aggressive ostinato on the rim of the snare drum. Sparse interjections occur on bongos, woodblocks, cowbells, splash cymbals and ascending opera gongs. These gradually increase in frequency while a steady groove ensues. From the urgent downbeat through the final climax, Double Take will capture an audience's excitement while providing a perfect vehicle to feature a pair of aggressive percussionists.

Instrumentation

Player 1

Drums: concert snare drum & bongos & concert bass drum (shared with player 2)
Cymbals & gongs: splash cymbal & opera gong
Accessories: woodblock & cowbell

Player 2

Drums: concert snare drum & bongos & concert bass drum (shared with player 1)
Cymbals & gongs: splash cymbal & opera gong
Accessories: woodblock & cowbell

Review

The title of this work is reflected in the near mirror-image setups for this multiple percussion duet. With a large, shared bass drum in the middle, each player’s setup consists of a snare drum, bongos, cowbell, splash cymbal, woodblock or Jamblock, and an opera gong on a trap table. Along with the musical sounds, there will be an interesting visual component for the audience as the musicians move around the identical setups.

As the composer states, this is “a very groove-oriented multi-percussion duet.” After an opening figure on the drums, the piece moves to a long section played on the rims. Accents are passed back and forth between the players, creating interesting composite rhythms. Accents on the drums and other instruments are gradually added. At times these rhythms become quite complex, moving through sections of odd meters, mixed meters, and metric modulation. A short improvisation section occurs near the end of the work, allowing one player to solo while the other plays a repetitive accompaniment pattern. After another softer section on the rims, the piece comes to a rousing conclusion.

This is a well-written piece that will appeal to anyone who has played in drum corps, as many of the figures suggest marching tenor drum patterns. But the piece is inventive and will be a real crowd pleaser. The music comes with a CD containing the parts to download along with recording.

This review was written by Tom Morgan

Works for Percussion by this Composer

Double Take
Just a Matter of Time
Shock and Awe
Song for Jessica