Gypsy Tonic by Jesse Monkman

Mixing equal parts gypsy jazz and traditional gypsy music, Jesse Monkman has summoned the ghost of famed French guitarist Django Reinhardt with Gypsy Tonic. This advanced marimba solo is full of technical challenges and will require solid four-mallet chops, but the rewards in terms of musical energy and attitude are undeniable. The entire piece is like a condensed medley of styles in the aforementioned gypsy jazz realm. Odd meters abound throughout, yet the overall character of the music never comes across as overly heady; rather, it remains youthful and dance-like. Gypsy Tonic represents another great contribution to marimba literature by Monkman.