Dr. Jerry Young, tubist [bio]
Professor of Music, University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire

It was my pleasure to give the world premiere of The Dancing King by Jesse Ayers at the International Tuba/Euphonium Conference in Sapporo, Japan in 1990 and later to perform it again at the ISCM World Music Days in Warsaw, Poland in 1992. I have since performed it in a variety of venues, and always to the delight of audiences. The work conveys a true sense of joy and freedom that communicates with almost any listener. This is a work that is very playable by advanced undergraduate students and will provide a nice change of pace for any recital, whether it is a senior recital or a program presented by a professional artist.

Dr. Mark Nelson, tubist [bio]
New Materials Editor, ITEA Journal

Wow! The first thing I did was listen to the tape provided that included a performance track with a sampled tuba as the solo. This piece nearly blew my socks off with intense rhythmic drive and beautiful melodic writing. Make no mistake, this reviewer is impressed with the writing.

Of all the compositional parameters of this composition, the rhythmic drive is a major focus of attention. Not unlike the “pattern-pulse” music of Adams, Reich and Glass, Jesse Ayers’ piece has established a fascinating portrayal of synthesized sound which is sophisticated in texture and pleasurable to listen to--a sort of fast “neo-gamelan” listening experience with elements of jazz woven in. Click here to read the full review

© 1991 TUBA Journal, used by permission

Elliot Schwartz, noted composer and author [bio]

“[Ayers’ Dancing King is] appealing in its virtuosity, playfulness, and drive.”

—Perspectives of New Music (Winter 1993)