Monument
14-Dec-2004
Brett Baker
Trombone
Accompanied by The Black Dyke Band
Conductor: Dr. Nicholas Childs
The term ‘virtuoso' has been devalued in recent years by being applied to assorted undeserving players and groups. This CD redresses the balance, certainly in terms of trombone playing in general, and within the brass band movement specifically.
Brett Baker, Principal Trombone of the world famous Black Dyke Band (which consummately accompanies Brett on most tracks of this CD), and a world-travelled soloist in his own right, has released his latest collection of solos which he describes as a tribute to the various individuals and groups that have contributed to his career as a trombonist with such groups as the National Brass Band of Great Britain, Forest of Dean Band, The Fairey Band, Flowers Band, and since 2000, Black Dyke Band.
The title track 'Monument', submitted by the young composer / tubist Marc Owen for the Leeds University / Black Dyke Band Composer's Competition in 2001, immediately establishes Brett in the class of a virtuoso, providing ample room for his technical skills, sound concept, range, and the immaculate style for which he is well-known. Further virtuosic solos such as the old cornet solo 'Hailstorm' (complete with triple-tonguing polka!), played here as if designed for the trombone, Ivor Hodgson's 'Sonata', 'Earth's Fury' by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, all remind the listener that this is an exceptional talent being displayed.
Lighter in nature, but nonetheless in turn displaying the virtuosic elements of Brett's playing listed above, such gems as Dorsey's 'Trombonology', Bill Geldard's arrangement of 'Dark Eyes', Pryor's 'Thoughts of Love', 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square' (arranged by Howard Snell), and Peter Graham's 'The Name' all provide variety and highlights of their own.
By way of change, Brett has teamed up with the 2 other permanent members of the Black Dyke Band trombone section, together with co-principal Paul Woodward, to record the Gareth Wood 'Four Pieces for Four Trombones', a gentle reminder of the rarely-heard trombone choir concept.
For all aspiring trombonists within the brass band and related fields, this is essential listening to discover how far forward Brett has placed the finishing line, for those who think brass band trombonists still feature 'The Acrobat' in their repertoire, this will be a shock for you!
Andrew Justice
What's on this CD?
1-3. Monument, Marc Owen 12.28
Première Recording
1. I. Allegro de Bravura 4.12
2. II. Solenne — New York 11 Sep 2001 4.19
3. III. Presto Molto Agitata — Free Spirit 3.57
4. Dark Eyes, Traditional arr. Geldard 4.50
5. The Hailstorm, William Rimmer 6.36
6-7. Sonata, Ivor Hodgson 4.27
Première Recording
6. Movement I 2.32
7. Movement II 1.55
8-11. Four Pieces for Four Trombones, Gareth Wood 6.48
8. I. Tango 1.34
9. II. Song 1.59
10. III. Parody 1.48
11. IV. Lament 1.27
12. Trombonology, Tommy Dorsey arr. Fernie 2.52
13. The Name, Peter Graham 3.06
14. Thoughts of Love, Arthur Pryor arr. Wilkinson 5.51
15. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Eric Maschwitz arr. Snell 6.05
16-18. Earth’s Fury, Paul Lovatt-Cooper 11.06
Première Recording
16. I. Twister 3.31
17. II. Fallen Memories 5.19
18. III. Succeed The Storm 2.16
Total CD Playing Time 65.07
