Traveling Steve Yeager Vibraphone / Piano Duet Grade IV This duet for vibraphone and piano is a wonderful training piece for jazz improvisation with the intermediate four-mallet vibraphonist. In the preface Yeager writes, "Traveling represents the first in a series of pieces designed for the intermediate to advanced mallet player. Although written as a vibraphone/piano duet, the piece can easily be performed on marimba as well. The lead sheet style of notation is used showing chord symbols throughout. A solo section with chord changes is included allowing the player to improvise a solo of any length." In addition a companion tape is included with the work, which provides a performance on side one and the piano part with a click track on side two. The work follows a true duet format with vibraphone and piano playing the thematic material together and separately by use of piano and/or vibraphone interludes. Additionally, piano and vibraphone solo sections are employed. The vibist will use four mallets, and good double vertical playing is essential along with relatively advanced independent technique. Traveling would be a wonderful addition to an undergraduate recital. - Lisa Rogers Reviewed in Percussive Notes April 1995 / Vol.33, No.2 Fall River Steve Yeager Vibraphone Solo Grade IV + Fall River is a four-mallet vibraphone solo for an intermediate performer who has experience with double vertical strokes, single independent strokes and single alternating strokes. The piece is in a loose theme- and-variations form with a left hand ostinato that supports varied melodic material in the right hand. Additionally the piece contains a cadenza-like section for the performer to explore virtuoso playing. The print is clear and pedal and mallet dampening indications are precise as well. -Lisa Rogers Reviewed in Percussive Notes June 1997 / Vol. 35, No.3 Well You Needn't Thelonious Monk arr. Steve Yeager Vibraphone Solo Grade IV Well you Needn't is a Thelonious Monk tune arranged by Steve Yeager for solo vibraphone. Yeager's arrangement utilizes four-mallet technique and is great for working on improvisational skills. Three sections are earmarked for improvisation, but Yeager has also written out solos for each of the three sections to act as a model or guide for the performer. The print and markings found in this arrangement are very clear. Yeager states in the preface: "This arrangement uses a two stave notation system to clearly show left-hand accompaniment to support a right-hand melody. Dynamics, pedaling and dampening are indicated where necessary. Other musical direction has been used sparingly and is meant only as a guide for the intended flow of the piece." In addition, I would suggest that any vibraphonist performing this arrangement needs to become very familiar with other works by Thelonious Monk in order to ensure a wonderful performance. -Lisa Rogers Reviewed in Percussive Notes August 1996 / Vol. 34, No.4 Bachanova Steve Yeager Vibraphone / Marimba Duet Grade V - VI Bachanova is scored for vibraphone and a low-A marimba, and four-mallet technique is required for each performer. The composition begins in F major, and other tonal centers are employed with D major being the dominant key. The motives and rhythmic syncopation are a major feature, and are often reflective of the motives and sequences found in the Bach Inventions or Fugues. The work is in common time with occasional meter changes to enhance phrase endings. Each part is equally challenging with various types of strokes utilized. The composer provides an opportunity for improvisation if desired. In addition to a score, separated parts are provided for each performer. The print is clear, and all dynamics and nuance are clearly indicated. This is an excellent work for advanced players, and certainly worth programming on the student or class recital. - George Frock Reviewed in Percussive Notes December 1996 / Vol. 34, No.6 Chasing Windmills Steve Yeager Vibraphone Solo Grade V Steve Yeager continues to enhance solo vibraphone literature with Chasing Windmills -- a four-mallet work utilizing sophisticated dampening and pedaling along with advanced technical facility. The performer must be proficient in four-mallet technique and employ double vertical strokes, independent strokes, single alternating strokes and one-handed rolls. The print is extremely precise and "reader friendly." All pedal and dampen markings are clear. Yeager also includes specific tempo and style markings for each section. The work centers around the key of A minor and is reminiscent of an ABA form. The B section is marked rubato and makes use primarily of double vertical strokes and one handed rolls. The B section is labeled "II", like a separate movement; however, it is tied to the A sections harmonically. The entire work has a Spanish guitar flair and includes a performance tape for reference. I applaud Steve Yeager's efforts in providing quality literature for the advanced solo vibist, and I hope he will continue with other works in the future. -Lisa Rogers Reviewed in Percussive Notes June 1997 / Vol. 35, No.3