Track & Burn

The subtitle of this collection is Streetbeats and Stadium Grooves You Can Chew On. I agree with that description, as these pieces contain some of the most advanced rudimental rhythmic content in print today. It will take considerable individual and ensemble rehearsal time to put these pieces together with the consistency and accuracy required. The demonstration Virtual Drumline (VDL) recordings provided have been expertly mixed and are excellent representations of the compositions. All pieces are scored for snare, tenor, bass drum, and cymbals. Individual parts (pdf) and the audio recordings are included on the accompanying CD-ROM. All bass drum parts are scored for 4-9 players in order to fit any size bass line.

In spite of the high level of difficulty, these pieces really groove and create inventive, funky feels that can be used by advanced drumlines. In addition to their use as marching cadences and stand grooves (the collection includes eight cadences and six stadium grooves), they can be played as ensemble pieces at the conclusion of a warm-up session. These pieces are also worthy of study for expanding rhythmic vocabulary and for licks that are suitable for section features and individual solo composition.

If you are looking for contemporary advanced rudimental compositions that will push your technique, concentration, and rhythmic subdivision skills, this is the collection for you. I really enjoyed playing through these pieces and found them inspiring for both performing and composing. I give this collection my highest recommendation.

–Jeff Moore
Percussive Notes
Vol. 51, No. 1, January 2013