Listen to THIS!

Adam Frey, euphonium
Damon Denton, piano
Euphonium Enterprises: CD:EE – 002
Total Playing Time: 65.27 mins

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There was a time when getting to hear really talented euphonium players was hard work. Only the very top brass bands in the country had them – and by heck didn't they make sure that their solo appearances were rationed more effectively than nylon stockings in the last war.

In the old days, great euph players played great old solos – pot boilers that had as much variety as old school dinners –wholesome stock but not exactly the stuff to make you drool at the lips. Now with the new generation of "Uber" euphs upon us, this has all changed and we get a veritable cornucopia of repertoire that can sometimes be a bit bewildering. The players too are certainly not members of the old brigade either and the likes of David Childs, David Thornton, Tormod Flaten, Morgan Griffiths and the like are all players of mind boggling techniques and sounds as wide as a prop forwards backside. It is perhaps fair to say that today we have the finest stock of young euphonium virtuosi in the history of the bras band movement.

The American Adam Frey has certainly made his mark in this field and the evidence of this CD (recorded in 1999) bear out the fact. He came to prominence by crossing the Atlantic to take up studies at the Royal Northern College of Music under the tutelage of both James Gourlay and Stephen Mead. This was no raw recruit however, as he had already gained a BA with honours (or honors as the Amercians say) from the University of Georgia and in the following years he gained both a Master of Music with Distinction and a Professional Diploma with Distinction from the College. He is both a very talented player and talented academic.

For many years he has performed on the solo competition circuit and contest platform with distinction and has won recital competitions in the USA, Europe and the Far East as well as playing with many of the top brass bands in the UK. His development as a player has seen him become a very fine player indeed and although this release of 1999 sees his overall development in the latter stages there is still ample evidence to see that this was at the time a real gem of a player in the making. The repertoire he has chosen is varied and a very talented pianist in the shape of Damon Denton accompanies throughout.

Frey's style is more "European" than traditionally "English" – the security of technique formidable yet not searing and the lyrical sense of line and motif under, rather than overstated. Again it is worth remembering that this release is of a younger version of the fully mature player we are now used to hearing, but still the basics of fine playing are there in spades. His sound is smaller than those of older and more mature players and at times the range is not as full or controlled at the extremes - but these are things that come with age and experience. His technique as we have said is secure and solid, if not quite in the spectacular league we get from other practitioners.

Each of the pieces are well thought out – the intelligence of thought shown in the way in which the music is shaped with a lyrical style is commendable, whilst all give opportunity for the player to shine. It shows a player using his intellect to the full.

All in all this is a fine release – although we would once more state that this is a showcase of a developing soloist rather than the fully mature virtuoso we are now accustomed to. Take the time to enjoy it though as it does show that there is more than one way to metaphorically skin an euphonium cat than just frighten it to death with musical gymnastics.

The 2003 Adam Frey is a superb player indeed – this 1999 version shows you that the raw talent was there all along – although he does look a touch like the comedian Dennis Pennis on the cover!

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