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Baker set to trip the Light Fantastic

The trombone virtuoso is getting ready for the release of his latest solo CD accompanied by the Flowers Band.

Brett Baker
  The CD will be released later this month

Trombone soloist Brett Baker is set to release his latest solo CD.

'Light Fantastic' has produced in collaboration with World of Sound and Northern Audio Productions and sees Brett accompanied by Flowers Band conducted by Paul Holland.

The CD is being launched on Sunday 25th February to coincide with the North West Regional Championships as well as through his own website.

Most difficult

The recording took place near Gloucester in December last year, and sees Brett tackle what he calls "some of the most difficult pieces ever written for solo trombone and brass band."

He told 4BR: "The recording represents composers that are all close colleagues from the four parts of the UK: Dorothy Gates (Northern Ireland), Peter Graham (Scotland), Tom Davoren (Wales) and Rob Wiffin, Philip Wilby, Philip Sparke and Derek Bourgeois (England).

I've wanted to record the Bourgeois 'Concerto' for over 20 years as I had first met him when I was playing with Lydbrook Band in my teens and he gave me the music to have a look at.

It was later premiered by Christian Lindberg and has since been a challenge I have always wanted to meet."

Title track

In addition Brett performs Peter Graham's 'Fiesta' which he has known since his student days at Salford University as well as the title track 'Light Fantastic' which was written for him by Philip Wilby.

'La Chica Sin Nombre' by Rob Wiffin has also been commissioned by Brett for the recording, whilst 'Servant of Peace' by Dorothy Gates and 'Tango' by Philip Sparke have only being only recently been published. 'Diversions on Calon Lan' by Tom Davoren is also set for what Brett believes is a premiere recording.

The CD is being launched on Sunday 25th February to coincide with the North West Regional Championships as well as through his own website4BR

Top form Flowers

He added: "Working for a fifth time with Flowers has been great — and they are such an outstanding band under Paul Holland.

My thanks also go to Kevin Lea, David Barringer and Phil Hardman who produced the sessions and ensured a fabulous release. I hope people enjoy it — it's certainly packed full of amazing music."

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