Double Takes

While the ragtime genre really did not exist during the California Gold Rush, this collection of evocative ragtime solos by Barbara Becker, offers a musical glimpse into that wild time as San Francisco appeared and then boomed with activity. Picture a gentle dance late at night in a saloon; the joyous hope and the frequent disappointment associated with prospecting for gold; Lola Montez’s moaning about some so-and-so who did her wrong; “Mr. Moneybags” John Sutter preening in the city; and tired miners drowning their sorrows on Saturday night, then shuffling off to bed. These fun pieces fit right in with the period’s expectations of instant wealth, juxtaposed against the back-breaking work, often for little return.

Minuet in Gee! is a light-hearted ragtime spin on Beethoven’s classic Minuet in G. This solo, composed by Ron Levy, is ideal for intermediates of all ages. Cover photo is an original painting entitled “Dancers” by Carol Julien.

July is a ragtime solo for intermediate pianists composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien.It is ideal study material for those who would enjoy historical rags but need a more manageable arrangement and hand span than those typically offer. There is syncopation throughout all of the three principle melodies with a steady quarter note accompaniment in the left hand for the majority of the piece.

When You Smile, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a lyrical light-pop or jazz style. It is dedicated to jazz singer Dubby Spivak, widow of the American bandleader Charlie Spivak, who is a friend of the composer.

Windy Blues is a jazz-style solo ideal for early intermediates of all ages. Music composed by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick.

Chromatic Rag, composed by Joanne Griffiths, is an exciting cacophony of contrary motion chromatic scales, tamed into a jaunty pastiche of Joplin. It is based on popular left-hand patterns, interspersed with symmetrical chromatic runs, and therefore suitable for an intermediate player.

Moose on the Loose is a jazzy showcase piano solo by Lisa Frederick. This delightful hard-romping swing solo is an ideal spotlight piece for late-intermediates of all ages.

Walkin’ the Dawg is a bright jazzy swing piece with a bluesy feel by Gary Johnston. Great introduction to learning walking bass lines for the intermediate pianist.

This fun ragtime piece, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a playful nod to Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” A perfect early intermediate showcase solo for Halloween, or any time of year!

Boogie Blues is a fun and energetic boogie-woogie style jazz solo by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. This light-hearted romp is ideal for early intermediates of all ages!

The Easy Winners, composed by Scott Joplin, presented in an easily accessible, hand-friendly version arranged for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

Rock On! Volume 3 features ten showcase-style pop, rock, and blues solos composed by Chrissy Ricker. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Composer Ron Levy sets the table with eleven delicious salad courses. Sometimes crunchy, always funky! Chock full of sweet rhythms and savory melodies for intermediates of all ages. You will want your musical menu to begin with a nutritious helping of Jazz Salad!

Elite Syncopations by Scott Joplin arranged for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

Doggone Blues is a bluesy showcase solo by Canadian composer, Lisa Frederick. This piece is ideal for late beginners and early intermediates of all ages!

Walkin’ Tall is an intermediate level jazz style piano solo with a walking bassline that is part of the Dog Days Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Boogie-Man Blues is a jazzy jaunt in A minor composed by Stacy Fahrion. This swinging showcase solo is ideal for intermediates.

Rockin’ the Classics is a collection of ten pop, rock, and jazz inspired arrangements of well-known classical favorites by Chrissy Ricker. These fun and flashy intermediate level solos will excite students of all ages!