Gold Rush Rags

Double Takes is a set of seven pairs of Rags and Blues, composed by Joanne Griffiths, and inspired by J.S.Bach’s Preludes and Fugues. Each pair is a study in contrasting styles, mood, rhythm, tempo, articulation, dynamic range and textures.

The collection progresses up the keyboard, through a range of keys beginning on C and ending with B, and covers many pedagogical techniques for an intermediate pianist whilst still remaining engaging and fun.

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.

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.

A holiday showstopper for early intermediates that is sure to please! This piano solo by Chrissy Ricker blends melodies from “Jingle Bells” and “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas” with toe-tapping boogie flair.

Nice Little Monster is a bluesy piece by Stacy Fahrion about a creature that is tired of being called a little monster. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Street Cat Strut, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a sassy funk-style solo for early intermediates and up. This piece is part of the Cool Cats songbook.

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.

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!

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.

Journeys is an engaging collection of twelve contemporary solos by Lisa Donovan Lukas featuring an array of tonal centers and styles. These selections are ideal showcase pieces for intermediates of all ages.

Jabberwocky is a playfully galumphing late-intermediate solo in D minor with a lilting swing. Adventurous pianists can even sing the words to the famous nonsense poem by Lewis Carroll whilst they play this whimsical version by Stacy Fahrion.

The original version of this piece is part of the Once Upon a Time songbook.

The Very Blue Danube, is an intermediate level jazzy remix of the famous Strauss waltz arranged by Chrissy Ricker. This piece is part of the Rockin’ the Classics songbook.

Frenzy!, composed by Rick Robertson, is a fast & flashy late intermediate level toccata, with driving rhythms and quartal harmonies. It would make an exciting recital or festival selection.

Rolling Blues, composed by Gary Johnston, is a bluesy early intermediate solo by Gary Johnston featuring triplets, a walking base line, syncopation and room for improvisation using the C blues scale.

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

City Jazz Club, a selection from Sarah Reaser O’Brien’s Star City Solos songbook, is an upbeat jazzy solo ideal for intermediates of all ages.

New Kid on the Block is a jazz-style showcase solo perfect for early intermediates of all ages. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and is part of the Spotlight Solos Volume 2 and Dog Days Songbooks.

Lullabies for Arachnophobes by Stacy Fahrion is a whimsically macabre collection written in homage of spindly spiders of all shapes and sizes. Rife with quirky rhythms, harmonies, and re-spindled versions of spidery classics, this collection will delight advanced players of all ages.