This is a collection of concise characteristic pieces which the author says can be played either as a suite or as individual items. If played complete and in the order they are presented, they would represent around ten minutes worth of very entertaining and distinctly contrasting music, ideally suited to the student concert, informal gathering, etc. The set begins in a light-hearted fashion with a highly rhythmical Calypso in which the composer suggests weaving a narrow piece of stiff card between the strings at the bridge of both guitars, this produces a Caribbean steel drum effect (try it, it really works). The very lyrical and expressive Song of the Gypsies provides a sharp contrast to the first piece and is followed by Russian Bear, a sad little tale of a dancing bear who returns to its cage and dreams about freedom. Things lighten up somewhat with the delightful Cuckoo Waltz, where the imitated bird call is heard throughout. Clockworks is a cleverly written, and deceptively tricky, composition where very careful teamwork and metronomic counting between both players will be required to make this piece work as intended, that is, to symbolise the complex interactions of the various inner workings of a clock. The set finishes with a light-hearted ragtime piece with the grand title of Oily Rag. The edition is well presented and well fingered by the composer and as well as the full score there are two separate parts for each player. Potpourri Suite is well worth considering by any amateur duos looking for something new and entertaining.
Steve Marsh (Classical Guitar Magazine)
