Red Wagon by Ben Wahlund

Red Wagon is a drum set quartet exploring how an ensemble of drum sets can groove, develop ideas, and avoid the trope of “drum set battles” that so often emerge when more than one drum set is presented. Like a child with a bright, new, red wagon, it is meant to be memorable, functional, and to share a spark of playful curiosity. Ideas weave through Bembe, 3/4 Funk, Drum and Bass, and Rock Grooves with opportunities for trading solos and unison passages that are meant to leave an impression.

Program Notes
Red Wagon” is a drum set quartet exploring how an ensemble of drum sets can groove, develop ideas, and avoid the trope of “drum set battles” that so often emerge when more than one drum set is presented. Though the idea of four drum sets may seem daunting, this has proven to be a very useful piece to have on hand to make a statement with colleagues, students, and event hosts since its composition a decade ago. Like a child with a bright, new, red wagon, it is meant to be memorable, functional, and to share a spark of playful curiosity. Ideas weave through Bembe, 3/4 Funk, Drum and Bass, and Rock Grooves with opportunities for trading solos and unison passages that are meant to leave an impression.

– B.W.