Aspects of Don Lusher

— TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND

BY DR BRETT BAKER

BY JON STOKES

Don Lusher is one of the UK’s most revered and cherished trombone players and was a long-time supporter of the British Trombone Society, having been President, twice! Don grew up as part of the Salvation Army Brass Band tradition and he always retained his passion for brass bands, despite moving into the blossoming big band scene after WWII. He was a remarkable player, and his silky tone and punchy lead playing can be heard on many recordings with his own Big Band, The Ted Heath Orchestra, Geraldo and his Orchestra and many more. His association with brass bands continued throughout his career, making records with The GUS Band, Black Dyke Mills and Hammonds Sauce Works Band, as well as having several pieces written especially for him and even composing a few himself (some of which can be heard on this album). Dr Brett Baker has taken on the daunting task of paying tribute to this true legend of the UK trombone and music scene with this album.

When I first heard Don play, I was struck by how beautifully he shaped and ‘sang’ a melody on his trombone. His rich sound, luscious vibrato, singing legato style and of course, his use of the upper register were always an inspiration. These traits are all taken into consideration by Dr Baker right from the first track, Don’s own composition Aspects of love. This style of ballad playing is woven through the album on gorgeous tunes like Michel Legrand’s What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life, the firm favourite Londonderry Air, the classic ballad Stardust and the achingly beautiful In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning. Dr Baker handles the style effortlessly.

Dr Baker also tackles the more playful side of Don’s musicality, picking up a plunger mute and attempting the swing style on tunes like The DL Blues and Makin’ Whoopie. The arrangements from Ian Jones, Kevin Holdgate, Mark Leigh and Don’s friend and colleague, the equally legendary Bill Geldard, are cleverly done for the smaller ensemble, especially on pieces like Earle Hagan’s Harlem Nocturne and the latin/funk version of Without a Song. An electric bass underpins many of the tracks, alongside the versatile musicians of the JSVB Legacy Band with conductor Dr David Thornton. Of the many contributions from the band, I should mention Matt Harrison’s roaring trumpet solo on The Peanut Vendor and some blistering soprano cornet on By The Time I Get To Phoenix. Gary Curtain on euphonium is also worth a mention. His classy playing can be heard throughout this album. A full personnel list and programme notes for the album can be downloaded here.

Dr Baker’s technical ability is prominent throughout with tracks like Leroy Anderson’s The Typewriter and the ever-popular Dark Eyes, but I can also hear that he has strayed into the world of improvisation. This is a brave but welcome addition to his performance and something unavoidable when paying tribute to one the country's most prominent jazz trombonists.

This album is a wonderful tribute to Don Lusher with a well-considered selection of Don’s favourite pieces. Dr Baker delivers a wonderful and thoughtful homage with his usual display of musicianship and virtuosity.

Aspects of Don Lusher – Tribute to a Legend is available for download from Downplay, or via Dr Baker’s website. ◆