Brass Band of Western Reserve
24-May-2010Conductor: Keith Wilkinson
Guest Soloist: Brett Baker
Ohio
Saturday May 15th
Yes, this was Brett’s sixth visit to perform with Brass Band of the Western Reserve.
Why?
Amazing player
Simply because he is an amazing player and possesses the sort of engaging personality that appeals to both the musicians who perform with him and every member of the audience.
On Saturday, May 15th, a large audience gathered to listen to the final concert of the band’s ‘2009-2010 Concert Series’.
Entitled ‘Slides Rule!’ it was a privilege to welcome internationally renowned trombone soloist Brett Baker.
Wowed
The audience was wowed by the performances of both Brett and the band.
Band titles included ‘Jubilee Overture’ by Philip Sparke, written for BBWR’s Musical Director, Keith Wilkinson, when he was Musical Director of the GUS Band, Keith’s arrangement of Berlioz, ‘March To The Scaffold’ and Kevin Norbury’s’ Variations On Maccabeus’.
As on Brett’s previous visits to perform with BBWR, Keith had written a new arrangement for Brett to perform.
This time it was ‘Atlantic Zephyrs’, composed by former Sousa Band trombone soloist, Gardell Simons.
World premiere
The world premiere of this arrangement was heard on Saturday evening along with many other favourites including Arthur Pryor’s ‘Fantastic Polka’, Keith’s arrangement of ‘Ye Banks And Braes’ and Hoagy Carmichael’s ‘Georgia On My Mind’.
The majority of Brett’s solos were included on the CD he recorded with the band on his previous visit.
Very tasty
To say that the audience was ecstatic about Brett’s performances would be an under-statement! Among several comments to Brett during intermission and following the concert was an extremely enthusiastic audience member’s , “Very Tasty!”
During a visit of almost a week Brett had given several lessons and also presented a concert in Worthington with Central Ohio Brass Band.
As always there were numerous demands after the concert with BBWR of ‘When will he be here again?’
