SKU: MB.30964

ISBN 9781513469775. 8.75x11.75 inches.

This collection of 41 timeless melodies is tastefully arranged for soprano and tenor recorders with suggested breath marks and accompaniment chords. Selections include a variety of influences which provide a historical and aesthetic view of the American musical landscape. The works of both well-known, classically trained composers and unknown folk artists are featured in standard notation arrangements suitable for performance by intermediate players. The one thing these tunes have in common is their striking melodies, which in many cases have endured throughout the ages.

SKU: MB.30952M

ISBN 9781513474434. 8.75X11.75 inches.

Among the various instruments for which the Beautiful American Airs and Ballads series was conceived, the diatonic harmonica is a standout. With or without the ôbendsö played by the author on the companion online recording, the 19 plaintive, single-note melodies in this book are guaranteed to engage the player and move the listener.áThe music herein is written in standard notation and blow/draw harmonica tablature for the diatonic harmonica in C. Suggested accompaniment chords are also provided. Using the tablature alone, this music can be played on any diatonic harmonica in a different harmonica key; for example, using a G or A diatonic harmonica, the instrument itself will make the mechanical transposition. The chords, however, would have to be transposed by the accompanist.Phil Duncan has written more than 40 harmonica books for Mel Bay Publications. He believes that participation is key to the enjoyment of music, and that the harmonica and tunes in this collection are the perfect vehicles for that participation.ôTunes like these may have been overlooked or forgotten in this stressful worldùbut playing them will help you regain and renew the sense of calm essential to our identity as Americansà Pick out a fewàpick up your harmonica and enjoy.öùPhil Duncan.