Here are two thoughtfully prepared collections of familiar pieces arranged for elementary-to-intermediate violin and piano. The foreword clearly states the aim of the book and identifies its niche, which is to provide learner violinists with ‘rhythmically manageable yet melodically satisfying’ arrangements of rock, pop and jazz. With numbers such as YMCA, Summer Holiday, Eye Of The Tiger and I Wanna Be Like You from The Jungle Book arranged idiomatically in violin-friendly keys, you will be amazed at how close the ‘cover’ can sound to the original, even when played by your Grade 5 student…..this is a worthwhile, good-quality addition to the repertoire for intermediate-level violinists.
Music Teacher Magazine, May 2011
Red Hot Violin contains 19 contemporary pieces arranged for violin and piano; favourites from rock, jazz, pop and musical theatre…..Each piece is introduced with a brief comment about style and performance presentation, encouraging the player to explore how to present this music. Jennings also recommends a particular recording of each piece (an interpretation by a respected artist), for the player to listen to. There are also style guide suggestions for each piece that illustrate the type of arrangement. Intermediate students can have lots of fun with these pieces, using slides and bending notes to get a contemporary feel, and modelling on the recommended recording. The pair of books is perfect for teenagers.
Stringendo Magazine, March 2011