Review

Euday Bowman
11th Street Rag:

Arranged by Harry Stanton


Delevan, NY, United States
Publisher: Kendor Music
Date of Publication: 2005
URL: http://www.kendormusic.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

These two rags (and Live Wires Rag), sold separately by Kendor music, are both arranged by Harry Stanton.  As is customary for the Kendor Ensemble and Solo series they are both graded using the MENC scale of 1(easiest)-6 (most difficult). For those more familiar with 1-3 or A-C rating system, a grade 4 piece such as Live Wires Rag is a hard B or easy A level work, while a grade 5 work like 11th Street Rag is a mid level A piece. Both rags are more chromatic than one might expect and will offer technical challenges for the younger player. Stanton pushes each instrument out of its traditional quintet role to good effect. Solo lines exist for tuba, trombone and horn in both rags and the second trumpet part is more than a mere harmony line for lead trumpet. Stanton also marks the parts with great detail to help younger players grasp the correct rag style. Live Wires Rag is the slower of the two and therefore more accessible for inexperienced players. At quarter note=88, he correctly establishes this piece from Adaline Shepherd (1883-1950) as a slower, Kansas City Rag. It is one of four known rags she composed, which include Pickles and Peppers, Wireless Rag, Live Wires and Victory March. Interestingly, members of her family later recalled that they did not consider her music to be important or good. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Euday Bowman (1887-1949) immortalized Kansas City with rags named after a number of its streets including 11th Street Rag, 12th Street Rag, 13th Street Rag and Petticoat Lane Rag. Legend has it that Bowman modeled the three-over-four pattern of 12th St. Rag after the signature three balls displayed on the front of the many pawn shops lining Kansas City's 12th St. This same pattern in a chromatic melody line is evident in the 11th Street Rag as well. This one takes practice. Especially challenging are its trumpet and tuba parts, but it is worth the work. Sadly, Bowman sold the rag for $50.00 to Jenkins Music Company, which subsequently earned millions of dollars in publishing royalties. Thanks to Harry Stanton for bringing these works to the brass world.

-Tom Zugger
Capitol University