CD REVIEW: CHRISTMAS WITH BONE-AFIDE

CD REVIEW

Christmas with Bone-afide

Performers: Isobel Daws, Merin Rhyd – Trombone, Chris Brewster - Trombone & Euphonium, Angus Butt – Bass Trombone & Sleigh Bells, John Butt – Organ.

Bone-afide’s first album release is a collection of ten familiar Christmas Carols and songs presented in stunning original arrangements by Sam Every. Sam is a recent graduate from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and it is easy to see why he is beginning to make waves on the UK music scene as a commercial arranger, in addition to leading his own big band from behind the drums in sold out shows across London. Santa Claus is Coming to Town, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Good King Wenceslas are given swing and Latin treatments, while Infant Holy, In the Bleak Midwinter, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and When a Child is Born receive lush new harmonisations. O Come, All Ye Faithful and Hark the Herald evoke a more traditional brass band style, enhanced by the addition of euphonium, and reinforced by the organ. All the arrangements are available for purchase via Bone-afide’s website. The playing throughout is impeccable, with the tenor players swapping between large and small-bore instruments as the arrangements require. The balance and blend of the ensemble is impressive, whilst still being able to clearly hear individual players voices. Each of the members take turns as soloists, but special mention must be made of Frosty the Snowman, which takes an unexpected twist, turning into an absolute tour de force for BTS Student of the Year Angus Butt. To celebrate the release of Christmas with Bone-afide we have three copies to give away to BTS members. To enter the draw just send an email, subject Frosty the Snowman, to editor@britishtrombonesociety.org by 19 December. ◆ 32

BY ALASTAIR WARREN REVIEW CD COVER: CHRISTMAS WITH BONE-AFIDE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER! BTS members not lucky enough to win a copy of Christmas with Bone-afide can still enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on purchases from the Bone-afide website, valid until 25 December. Please log into your BTS account to access the discount code. CONCERT