Spicy Jam (Solo 4-Mallet Marimba)

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1. Percussive Notes New Literature Review

   Get ready to bring the funk! “Spicy Jam” is an intermediate marimba solo perfect for the developing four-mallet player who is ready for an exciting technical yet musical challenge. Full of syncopated rhythms, blues-inspired harmonies, and a bit of attitude, it is well suited for a variety of audiences and performance settings.
   
   The piece consists of three sections. The first and third sections are quite groovy and utilize similar material, exploring sixteenth-note syncopations between hands and double vertical interval changes. Contrasting these is the middle section, which consists solely of a slow and beautiful chorale. Moore provides significant dynamic indications while allowing players to make their own expressive choices. This is particularly noticeable in the chorale section, as it requires the player to roll each note. Additionally, one must be comfortable navigating the entire range of the instrument in a short period of time, providing an opportunity to discuss a physical approach to the instrument.
   
   While “Spicy Jam” is sure to be enjoyed both by performers and listeners, it also offers a number of educational concepts we look for in a solo. I highly recommend it for high school and first-year college students in the early stages of their four-mallet playing.
   
   Danielle Moreau
   Percussive Notes
   Vol. 59, No. 6, December 2021 Danielle Moreau on Jul 5th 2022