Ragazzi
18-Jan-2005
Mnozil Brass
MNZ Recordings: MNZ01
Total Playing Time: 44.41
One of the abiding memories of the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in London last October came in between the completion of the contest and the announcement of the results.
Mnozil Brass - seven graduates of the Vienna College of Music, entertained the audience and for the first time in living memory, those in attendance were more than happy to wait for the results, with a mix of repertoire including the pop group Queen's, 'Bohemian Rhapsody', which brought laughter and enjoyment after the rigors of the contest. The talented Steven Mead encouraged them to come to London and the response was such that they entertained the audience at night before the Gala Concert as well. Alan Jenkins of Brass Band World in his review of the Finals, stated that it was tempting to ignore the competition and talk about the entertainment the musicians gave on the stage at the RAH – and when someone like him (who knows the good from the great), says that, then you can see why they went down such a storm.
These musicians are extremely gifted and this recording revived many memories from seeing them in action in London. They are extremely innovative in their approach, and almost anything goes, with top class individual and fine ensemble playing, allied to the natural ability to ‘ad-lib' where needed (and they can sing rather well too). If they were busking in the street, you'd stop what you were doing, probably still be there until they have finished and would have gratefully parted with your hard earned cash.
As with your favourite film, food or CD, this group is one that you'll never get tired of going back to as the quality of performance immediately brings a real warm feeling into the heart.
This latest recording features fourteen tracks of complete contrast - but the one thing this CD isn't, is dull. Almost anything can happen at anytime on any track, and it really is fun all the way. Take track 4 for instance; where some fabulous trumpet playing is taking place, and then from nowhere, an acoustic guitar comes in to play bringing another dimension into the music.
Track 6 is one of those opportunities for the members to showcase their talents both individually and as a group, and even though it is one of the longest tracks on the CD (lasting 5.40 secs ), you just listen in disbelief at the level of performance and the time just flies by.
What really comes across though is the sense of fun that Wolfgang Sohm, Robert Rother, Thomas Gansch, Gerard Fubi, Wilfried Brandstotter, Leonhard Paul and Sebastion Fuchsberger have together. Yes, they want to perform to the best of their abilities, but that real sense of fun comes across on this recording.
One of the most familiar tracks on the recording is ‘Granada' - complete with vocals and a fine balance between the instrumentalists and soloist, whilst the final track, ‘Ruze Reknou Vic' has a feel of reflection about it with someone listening to an old 78 recording and reminiscing of days gone buy.
This recording really is a mix of some fabulous playing and great entertainment. Down the years ensemble groups such as the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and The Kings Singers have made an impression with their professionalism in performance. The musicians of Mnozil Brass can take a bow for their professionalism and quality of performance on this recording. For whatever reason, if you need cheering up, put this CD on and that smile will return very quickly indeed.
Malcolm Wood
What's on this CD?
1. Mladost Radost, Jindrich Pravecek, arr. Mnozil Brass, 3.56
2. Sieben Auf einen Streich, Tristan Schulze, arr. Tristan Schulze, 5.55
3. Jubilaumsgongschlag, S. Fuchsberger, Joachim Ringelnatz, arr. S. Fuchsberger, 3.30
4. Bist Tappert, Franz? Les Humphreys/Patrick M. Williams, arr. Leonhard Paul, 4.27
5. Asylantenwalzer, Traditional, arr. Mnozil Brass, 2.18
6. Klezmi Geht Fremd, Gerhard Fusl, arr. Gerhard Fusl, 5.40
7. Die Erste Mnozil, (1. Satz), Christian Muhlbacher, arr. Christian Muhlbacher, 2.45
8. Die Erste Mnozil, (3. Satz), Christian Muhlbacher, arr. Christian Muhlbacher, 1.18
9. Kellner Polka, Traditional, Aus Dem Archiv Des Steir, Volksliedwerkes, arr. Leonhard Paul, 1.26
10. Neualtlerchenfelder, Sebestian Fuchsberger, arr. Sebastian Fuchsberger, 3.47
11. Damenjagd, Traditional, arr. Leonhard Paul, 1.47
12. Django, Leonhard Paul, arr. Leonhard Paul, 2.27
13. Granada, Agustin Lara, Agustin Lara, arr. Mnozil Brass, 4.32
14. Ruze Reknou Vic, Josef Stelibsk, arr. Mnozil Brass, 4.02
Total CD running time: 44.71
