I was going through misc. percussion music today and I came across a piece that I've always wanted to hear in its intended context. It's called "Fabien Theory" for marimba and digital delay by Nigel Westlake. I've played through the solo part here and there but have never heard it with the delay. Has anyone here heard it, and if so, what were your impressions of it?

Best,

CJT

PS - BTW, I am aware that someone recorded it and I know i'll eventually buy it, but i want to see what everyone else thinks about it, for curiosity's sake.

I've played it. The toughest thing was first getting a delay pedal, they're expensive. I think I paid about $170 for a Roland with stereo input and output, a must I feel. And then getting it set just right to work correctly and produce the correct "delay rhythms" with the tempo you're playing at. Note wise its fairly easy, but playing exactly perfect with the delay is a challenge. I felt it had a very cool groovy kinda "atmospheric" quality to it, it would be a nice contrast to a more serious piece. But it's alot of money (the music is like $40 from Weiss!) and effort (PA system, mic the keyboard, set the delay, practice with the delay) for only a 5 minute piece!

P.S. Looking to sell the delay I bought for it-

KR

hey how is it going,

I heard a student play this piece at the manhattan school of music. It is really nice piece but I dont think the piece works with out the delay. You can buy a Boss digtal delay pedal that guitarists use. This pedal works really well and if you know a guitarist he or she probably owns one and you may be able to borrow it.
As for the part that requires a loop, the student that played the solo just has some one play the loop on another marimba so he didnt have to worry about getting a good take on the digital delay.

I would definently try to do the piece again, especially if you have already played it. It really shouldnt take you to long to get it with the delay pedal.

Al