Here's a two mallet piece that's meant to show off, speed-wise.  There are a few places that need some strong skills in xylophone rags, especially with double stops. Later, the accented melody within the blues melodic pattern is quite a nice effect.  After that is a great opportunity to feature two separate melodies, one in each hand, soft and lyrical.  It ends quite strong with ideas from the beginning.  Tempo suggested is 200-240 beats per quarter note, but, it you are able, go ahead and take it 20 to 40 beats faster than that.   This solo is available for purchase at www.ukenamusic.com.

Scattin' the Swing

A recording of a solo from the book, "The Gorilla in the Room (and Fifteen other 2, 3, and 4 mallets solos)

In A Hurry To Get There - marimba

Had a bit of trouble coming up with a title for this vibraphone solo.  I had played it for Mikela, my wife, and asked her what did she picture.  The first thing she said was falling water, water falls.  At that moment I had the title, "The Many Faces of Crystal Falls".   There are many "faces" to hear in this solo as the tone colors, rhythms and melodies come out in each section. This is a four-mallet solo that shouldn't give the performer too many problems.  The 32nd note runs could be a difficult but should be accessible at the tempo given.  This six page solo last a bit over four minutes and will soon be available at www.ukenamusic.com.

The Many Faces Of Crystal Falls

Just a nice unexpected ballad using Jingle Bells with lush chords.

Jingle Bells - Quartet (1)

Just a duet, vibraphone and marimba, ballad using Jingle bells with gorgeous lush chords.

JINGLE BELLS - Duet Audio File (1)

A vibraphone solo that will stand on its own, but can be played as duet with the marimba solo with a similar title.  Lumbering along with arms swinging, no one talks about Another Gorilla in the Room.

Another Gorilla In The Room - Vibraphone

a vibraphone & marimba duet created by two solos similarly titled from the books, THE GORILLA IN THE ROOM & ANOTHER GORILLA IN THE ROOM

In A Hurry To Get There - Duet

What Did I Forget Now - Marimba

That's A Mean Thing To Say - Duet

A vibraphone and marimba duet created from solos of similar titles coming from the books, THE GORILLA IN THE ROOM & ANOTHER GORILLA IN THE ROOM.  These books are available for sale at www.ukenamusic.com.

What Did I Forget - Duet

a vibraphone and marimba duet created from two solos with similar titles coming from the books, THE GORILLA IN THE ROOM & ANOTHER GORILLA IN THE ROOM.  These books are available for sale at www.ukenamusic.com.

That's One Funky Chicken Duet

This was the school song I chose to write for Mary Martin Elementary School in Weatherford, TX.  "Lifelong Guidelines" was all the buzz.  It still makes for a great school song.

Stars of Martin with Vocals (School Song)

This was the school song  accompaniment track I created for the Mary Martin Elementary in Weatherford, TX.  The upbeat tempo was a great for the kids.  "Lifelong Guidelines" was the foundation for the lyrics.

01 Stars Of Martin (School song)

This is the second version I've written of this solo having expanded the form, adding a key change.  It is written for Kendall, our first grandchild.  There are lyrics (and I can sing them but am not ready for that yet.  I do sing it to her though.)  It has a quiet, dreamy feel perhaps like a lullaby.

It is best on vibraphone but, I've enjoyed playing it lower on a five octave marimba. Hope you enjoy.

Ukena Music

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