The editorial explains that the aim of these books is to 'encourage students to break away from a more conventional approach', a claim made by many books these days. With such a dazzling array of talent (Neil Percy, John Alley, Chris Laurence, Stan Stulzman as well as Paul over-dubbing all the flute parts) the CD would stand alone but the layout of the music can seems a little confusing in places. I decided that I really needed help to sort it all out so I enlisted the services of my student Leonie who has recently passed grade 7. She sightread them easily and here are some of her observations: 'These pieces are really cheesey - they always have some instrument keeping the beat in the background on this kind of thing.' Of Oyame (book 2) she said ' this is the type of music you get in a lift' and of Clonakilty Dawn (book 3) 'this is pure boy-band - it's all too much.' After playing Argentina (book 2), however, I asked her if she would buy the books. ' Oh yes - I really enjoy playing this kind of stuff and wallowing in it all!' I leave you to draw your own conclusions!
