May 13, 2016 - In partial fulfillment for the requirements of the Bachelor of Music degree at California State University, Northridge
Some may know this tune, but for those who don’t, allow me to introduce to you “Doo Wa Ditty,” originally by funk legends Zapp & Roger. My interpretation is not an attempt to replicate the original, but it pays homage to Zapp, with my own twist. They’re one of my absolute favorite musical artists, and a huge inspiration to me. Many have heard Roger Troutman (the late leader of Zapp) without knowing it. He played talkbox on the chorus of “California Love” by 2pac. The lyrics of “Doo Wa Ditty” describe Roger’s desire to blow his harmonica, an instrument which was featured on the original recording. I don’t play harmonica.
The instruments I played on this one:
• Talkbox
• Synthesizer (lead & bass)
• Drums
• Percussion (purple heart wood slabs, bell tree, mark tree)
• Novation Launchpad (beats)
• Vibraphone
• Guitar
I bought the purple heart from a lumber store in Seattle and cut it into four different sized pieces.
The triangle beater used on the bell tree was hand-crafted by John Magnussen, and is probably my favorite beater. In an orchestral setting it’s excellent for delicate triangle passages, but sounds lovely on the bell tree too.
The coffee beans are from Lighthouse Roasters in Seattle. The best damn coffee I’ve ever had!
Enjoy my cover of the Pokémon Center Theme! It was composed by Junichi Masuda and arranged by myself.
remember "Carnival" by the Cardigans? this is a cover I did, & I played every instrument: guitar, vibraphone, drums, talk box, synth bass, synths, percussion, etc. I finally bought a talk box after wanting one for years. it's probably my favorite gadget of all time... it basically turns your synth or guitar into a sensual robot voice. I was going for a funky slow-jam vibe. my favorite talk-boxer is Roger Troutman, and he and Zapp have been hugely influential to me. Bossa Nova also hold a special place in my heart,, so I added a touch of that. random nature backyard footage too.
Béla Bartók- Mikrokosmos, Selections for Marimba Duet
Composed: 1926-1939
Mikrokosmos is a collection of 153 short piano pieces in six volumes. It is arranged pedagogically as the first two volumes, dedicated to his son, are very simple études for beginners, while the fifth and sixth are highly advanced demonstrations of extended techniques and can be performed as concert pieces. This selection is comprised of six pieces from the fifth and sixth volumes that are aptly transferred to two marimbas.
The word "Mikrokosmos" is synonymous to "microcosm," meaning "a little world" or "a world in miniature" that encapsulates something much larger. Thus the entire collection could be thought of as a microcosm of Hungarian and Bulgarian folk music, which Bartók studied as an ethnomusicologist and incorporated into his own style. Or it could be a synthesis of the musical and technical issues of the piano. On the other hand, Bartók was an avid entomologist, studying the microcosmos of the natural world. He had a fascination with insects ever since childhood, and maintained a vast collection of beetles and flies.
Arranged for percussion ensemble by Emerson Wahl Composed by Deftones performed by the California State University, Northridge Percussion Ensemble at California State University Northridge, April 21st, 2015.
Composed by Broken Social Scene Arranged by Emerson Wahl for Percussion Ensemble Conducted by Emerson Wahl
Personnel:
Marimba- Elias Maldonado, Jay Droegemeier, Alberto La Torre, Robin Gin, Wolf Finn
Vibraphone- Robert Muz, Alonso Figueroa, Sean Flynn Knuth
Glockenspiel- Joshua Martinez
Performed at California State University Northridge May 6th, 2015
"Darn That Dream" was composed by Jimmy Van Heusen and the lyrics were written by Eddie DeLange. It was published in 1939. This is my own arrangement of this beautiful song- I added a short coda to the end. Performed at California State University Northridge on May 29th, 2015.