The name Castle Valse Classique refers to the dance team of Vernon and Irene Castle, who were exceedingly popular performers and teachers of all the ballroom dance styles in vogue in the United States during the 1910s and 20s. The Castles' "hesitation waltz" treatment of Dvorak's Humoresque became one of their signature numbers, and Green's spectacular obbligato xylophone performance made the music persuasive enough to stand alone on records.

It is assumed that each numbered opus from Clair Omar Musser consisted of 20 pieces, but there is no surviving evidence of them now. The version of Opus 11, Number 3, published in 1948, had some issues with the chords and expression markings. I made some corrections and consistencies in this new edition, but I tried to keep Musser's notation intact as much as possible.
--Yurika Kimura

Clair Omar Musser wrote numerous etudes as many marimbists know. It is assumed that each numbered opus consisted of 20 pieces, but there is no surviving evidence of them now. The version of Opus 6, Number 2 published in 1948 had some issues with the chords, as well as with expression markings like accents, staccatos, dynamics, etc. I made some corrections and consistencies in this new edition, but I tried to keep Musser’s notation intact as much as possible. Examining several of the original manuscripts helped clarify his personal approach to notation. - Yurika Kimura

A Salute to George Hamilton Green, featuring Bob Becker on xylophone and Yurika Kimura on marimba. You can't imagine how fantastic these marimba and xylophone duos sound. The happiness of this highly syncopated music is as infectious as any ever written.

"After a fantastic performance by Bob and Yurika at PASIC 2013 where several of these pieces were played, I'm sure 'Alabama Moon' is already on the music stands of many ragtime enthusiasts."
-Percussive Notes

"I found every piece to be delightful."
-Percussive Notes

Recollections of George Hamilton Green marimba and xylophone duets arranged by Bob Becker and Yurika Kimura. Set includes all nine titles and an "Alabama Moon" CD.

"Thanks in large part to NEXUS's recordings, the G.H. Green rags are a staple within the college and university performance repertoire. Thanks to this new series of transcriptions, the depth and diversity of that catalog has been expanded."
-Percussive Notes

"Green's unique bluesy style is evident in this fun, challenging xylophone solo. The marimba accompaniment is equally challenging (if not more so) and requires a player who is comfortable with large leaps in the bass line while playing busy syncopated patterns in the right hand."
-Percussive Notes

Watermelon Whispers was composed in 1918 by George Hamilton Green, and was published the same year as a piano solo by the Ted Browne Music Company.

This transcription arrangement is based on the piano sheet music, and on Green's xylophone performance on the Edison cylinder.

"Others will have difficulty matching the quality of this keyboard duo arrangement of a George Gershwin hit. Bob Becker's xylophone interpretation maintains the integrity of the original melody, yet masterfully includes material that will allow the performer to demonstrate glimpses of virtuosity."
-Percussive Notes

M. K. Jerome’s Poor Butterfly Is A Fly Gal Now was published by Waterson, Berlin & Snyder Co. in 1919, and recorded the same year by the All Star Trio (Victor 18641-B).
The All Star Trio was one of the most popular recording groups for dance music in the United States between 1918 and 1922. The ensemble included Victor Arden on piano, F. Wheeler Wadsworth on tenor saxophone, and George Hamilton Green on xylophone. This transcription arrangement bases the marimba part on the piano and saxophone performances, while keeping the xylophone part almost exactly as played by Green, with only a few minor changes to make the two parts consistent.

Old Man Jazz was composed (both music and lyrics) by Gene Quaw, and published in 1920 by Jos. W. Stern & Co. The original sheet music has the subtitle “An Eccentric Fox Trot Song.” The All Star Trio (George Hamilton Green, xylophone, F. Wheeler Wadsworth, tenor saxophone, and Victor Arden, piano) recorded a very clever version of the piece for Victor Records (#18699) in 1920.

This transcription arrangement is based on the All Star Trio recording, with reference to the original sheet music.

In Sweet September was composed by James Monaco, with lyrics by Edgar Leslie and Pete Wendling. It was recorded in 1920 by The All Star Trio , a group that featured Victor Arden on piano, F. Wheeler Wadsworth on tenor saxophone, and George Hamilton Green on xylophone.

This transcription arrangement is based on the All Star Trio recording, with reference to the original sheet music.

This arrangement, by Yurika Kimura, is based on the musical structure of the Green Brothers' recording, with reference to the original sheet music. The xylophone part incorporates variations composed by Bob Becker.

The name Castle Valse refers to the dance team Vernon and Irene Castle, who were exceedingly popular performers and teachers of all the ballroom dance styles in vogue in the United States during the 1910s and 20s. They appeared with Earl Fuller's Rector Novelty Orchestra at Rector's Restaurant in NYC in 1917, a time when Fuller also featured George Hamilton Green in his ensemble.

Alabama Moon was composed (both lyrics and music) by George Hamilton Green in 1920, and quickly published by the Sam Fox Company. Written in the nostalgic style of a southern waltz, the words and melody convey a popular period idiom of the 1920s era.

"After a fantastic performance by Bob and Yurika at PASIC 2013 ... I'm sure 'Alabama Moon' is already on the music stands of many ragtime enthusiasts."
-Percussive Notes