Trumpet star Louis Dowdeswell is getting ready for a busy schedule following the forthcoming release of his much anticipated second album.

'Out of Print' sees him once again link up with composer and arranger Callum Au for what is an exciting high-intensity approach to ten of the best-known pieces of classical music.

Big band and symphonic brass

Released on Monday 2nd November (with a future double vinyl release), it sees arrangements for both big band and symphonic brass, with Louis joined by 40 outstanding musicians — many well-known to brass banding world.

It also coincides with a special launch concert at Cadogan Hall where the two ensembles will perform side by side as they showcase Calum Au's arrangements of 'William Tell', 'Mars', 'Nutcracker', 'Clair de Lune', 'Nessun Dorma', 'O Magnum Mysterium', 'Danse Macabre', 'Carmen', 'Grandfather's Clock', 'Slide of the Valkyries', 'Stardust', 'Nimrod', 'Pictures at an Exhibition' and 'Jerusalem'.

Huge project

Speaking with 4BR Louis, who started out his musical journey with Portishead Junior Band, said: "After the success of our first album together, Callum and I set to work on this huge new project.

The big band and orchestral sessions were more than I could have ever dreamed of: Ten of some of the best-known pieces of classical music ever written, totally reimagined and played by 40 of the finest musicians in Britain."

Nothing light

He added: "This is no crossover record or 'light' versions of the classics either, but the real pieces, taken seriously and rebuilt.

We are swinging where nobody has dared to swing, providing pure brass where the original deserves it, and even a touch of comedy where the music asks for it. 'Pictures at an Exhibition' for instance places all 40 musicians on one track."

He continued: "After I was days away from giving up playing after believing I was becoming to the world known as a high note player this was the dragon I needed to slay. And what a way to do it with such friends and such brilliant music."

he said that what became a six-year project has become, "the best-sounding thing I have ever made."4BR

Best sounding

Although Louis admitted that this would also be his last UK solo concert for the foreseeable future, he said that what became a six-year project has become, "the best-sounding thing I have ever made."

The symphonic brass features the likes of Philip Cobb, James Fountain, Jason Evans and Mark David on trumpets, Andy Wood, Matt Lewis and Simon Minshall on trombones and Owen Slade on tuba.

At Cadogan Hall the brass ensemble is conducted by Mark David, with Philip Cobb, Angela Whelan, Alan Thomas and Christian Barraclough on trumpets. Cobb is the featured soloist on 'Grandfather's Clock'.

Release and concert

'Out of Print' is released on Monday 2nd November.

Release and concert: Monday 2nd November
Launch concert: Cadogan Hall, London, (7.30pm)

Tickets from £34.50:
https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/out-of-print-louis-dowdeswell-album-launch/book/1339434

Hear it now:

Nessun Dorma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65bTY0DusXo

William Tell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHbrsi8dYck