british trombone society
www.trombone-society.org.uk
Summer 2007
Leicester concert for Matt Fulham charity
Trombonists join forces to raise almost £2,000 for a trust fund set up following the murder of a young trombonist from the East Midlands A 16-piece trombone choir, directed by BTS President Bob Hughes, featuring top names from all genres, performed a fundraising concert in January. Included in the lineup were Ian Moffat, Jon Stokes and Darren Smith from the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Roger Harvey and Dan Jenkins from the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Lindsay Shilling from the Royal Opera House, Jim Gribben from the Central Band of the RAF and freelance players Tim Smart, Chris Fower, Stewart Drummond and Chris Hickman. The concert also featured local brass dectet PLC Brass, led by Pete Collins. All players gave their time for free, which meant every penny raised went to the Matthew Fulham Foundation. The charity was set up by the family and friends of Matt Ful-
“To know that what a bunch of brass musicians did on a chilly Sunday evening in Leicester is already making a difference to people experiencing a devastating loss, its made me proud to be a trombonist” Dan Baker
ham from Hinckley in Leicestershire who, while on a family holiday to Egypt, was killed by a suicide bomber in 2005. He was there to celebrate his 18th birthday - a milestone he was, tragically, never to reach. The event, at the Y Theatre in Leicester, was organised by local bass trombonist Dan Baker, who explained the impetus behind the concert: “Not many people realise you get virtually no support from the Government if you’re the victim of terrorism overseas. The Fulham family had to set about raising funds to fly
their son’s remains home and pay for the funeral. I thought that was terrible and wanted to help raise awareness and funds. I was overwhelmed that so many other trombonists felt the same way.” Proceeds from the trombone choir event have already been used to help six families who have experienced a terrorist atrocity while overseas. Compered by local BBC TV presenter Dominic Heale, the evening was summed up superbly when he said, “Trombonists are a tight-knit bunch who look out for each other and support each other. What we have on stage tonight is the British trombone community’s message of sympathy and support to the Fulham family.” Website www.matthewfulham.org
Left: Bob Hughes leading the fundraiser for the family of terrorist victim Matt Fulham (Right) and others
Glasgow trombone day preview Sunday May 13th 2007 will see the first big BTS event in Scotland for some time. The event will be held at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in sunny Glasgow. The programme covers both afternoon and evening, with something for everyone young and old, amateur and pro. Main featured artists so far are the brilliant Bones Apart, who need no introduction, and Mike Suter, ex-Stan Kenton Band bass trombone wizard, who will come with his latest CD and newly designed Kanstul trombone. Several other big names have threatened to come - details will be posted on the website as they emerge. Bones Apart will give a workshop for young players, the RSAMD trombonists will be showcased, both in solo and ensemble works, there will be trade stands, and even a class in slide lubrication!! There will be chances for everyone to blow, starting with a massed warm-up, and with an open-to-all rehearsal for two slots in the evening concert. The post-concert social gatherings in Scotland are legendary, and there is every chance of that tradition being upheld! Free entry for everybody to all events. For final details, please check the BTS website news page. Be there ! Website www.trombone-society.org.uk
Chris Stearn The Trombonist | Summer 2007 |
NEWS The Don Lusher Big Band has announced its support for a new memorial fund Don Jenkins launches Bristol area trombone choir In the afternoon of 12th May in central Bristol at 1.30pm, Brett Baker will lead a workshop on “performance” for BTS members, which will include a mass trombone choir. Following on that day, Don Jenkins is organising a select trombone choir to play at 7.30pm. Players include Bill Geldard, Paul Woodward, Brian Midgley, Steven Jenkins, Nathan Jenkins, Don Jenkins and Brett Baker. Venue: Broadmead Baptist Church, Union Street, Bristol. British Trombone Society members get in free; non-BTS members pay £10 entrance fee. Contact Cathy Britton 01454 619084
Brett Baker leads Bristol BTS event
CBSO guest tutor in Staffs This year’s Doveridge Brass Festival will be held in the Staffordshire village on the 9th and 10th August. The event offers two days of ensemble playing for trumpet and trombone players of approximately grade five to advanced levels in the picturesque ancient village church. A programme of large and small ensemble pieces will be directed by Paul Nevins and Pete Lacey and special guest tutors John Dickenson (former Hallé 1st trumpet), CBSO trombonist Tony Howe and freelance players Will Mee and Ian Moseley. An extra event is planned for less advanced players with a one day course run by Paul, Pete and Will on 8th August. Challenging for the advanced player and accessible for the keen amateur alike, the course is combined with a great social atmosphere! Contact Pete Lacey 07793553492 or trombone76@ntlworld.com 2 | Summer 2007 | The Trombonist
Join with Don Lusher’s band to pay tribute
The late Don Lusher OBE, former BTS President and one of the best-known British trombonists
A fund has been established in memory of Don Lusher to provide musical training to disadvantaged young people. The Don Lusher Big Band led by Tony Fisher will play a short series of concerts in aid of the new fund. Announced by Don’s widow Diana Lusher with the backing of the trombonist’s family, the Don Lusher Memorial Fund will provide for instruments, equipment and hours of tuition for marginalized people to build a better future through engaging with music. The special four-date fundraising tour of the Don Lusher Big Band will be presented by Sheila Tracy and feature music from the Don Lusher Big Band library with a tribute to the Ted Heath Band in the second half of each performance.
Don Lusher competition for young trombonists Over coming months, the BTS will host an exciting new Don Lusher Competition to encourage young players in the art of melodic ballad playing, for which Don Lusher was so well-known. Diana Lusher will be donating a trophy, which will be presented to the winner with Yamaha’s donation of a top trombone and possibly also the opportunity
Introducing the Don Lusher Memorial Fund Don Lusher began playing trombone at the age of six, becoming the third genera tion of his family to play in the Salvation Army band in Pet erborough. Without his ear ly involvement with The Salvat ion Army, it’s quite possible that Don would never have learne d to play the trombone. We have decided that the fun d should rest with the SA, because of Don’s early involv ement and because the SA has tremendous experience ove r many years, both in workin g with disadvantaged young people, and in music perfor mance and composition. Many of these young people are struggling to deal with a lack of self-esteem and hop e for the future. Through off ering them instrumental and the ory of music lessons, trainin g in writing, arranging and record ing music, and in how to organise and develop a ban d, The Salvation Army is abl e to help these young people to develop a wide range of skil ls, build relationships and wo rk towards reaching their full potential. The Don Lusher Me morial Fund will enable The Salvation Army to fund ext ra instruments, equipment and hours of tuition, and thereb y help even more disadvant aged young people build a better future through engaging wit h music. Donations if desired to: The Don Lusher Memorial Fund, The Salvation Army, 101 , Newington Causeway, Lon don SE1 6BN. Telephone 020 736 7 4800. Cheques made pay able to “The Salvation Army” and ma rk on the back “The Don Lus her Memorial Fund”. Please ind icate if you are a UK taxpay er. Diana Lusher
to record a solo with the BBC Big Band. Candidates must be under the age of 22 years and will submit a CD recording of their performance. The top three
players will be invited to the final round of the competition at a BTS event in 2008. Further details will be provided in coming months through BTS newsletters and the website.
NEWS The ABRSM has contacted the BTS to say it will be making an official recommendation that those teaching beginners on the alto trombone should transpose the piano parts for Grades 1, 2 & 3 and choose music from the trombone syllabus. BTS Education Liason Officer Stewart Drummond has the letter and the assurance that it will be official policy by the next publication of the syllabus.
Orchestral appointment Donal Bannister is joining the BBC National Orchestra of Wales as principal trombone. The Irishman started on euphonium in a family of brass players, before switching to trombone aged 14. From winning the RTE Musician of the Future 1980, Donal studied at Trinity College, Dublin and Eastman, New York. Returning to Ireland for post-graduate study on the music of Haydn, he then joined the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in 1988. The position in Cardiff fell vacant when Mark Eager moved into conducting.
Addison’s fanfare marathon Sue Addison is running the London Marathon to raise money for charity, following on from her fundraising walk from Lands End to John O’ Groats in 1999. She aims to play a fanfare on the trombone at every mile of the journey and raise £10,000 for Jessie’s Fund. Website www.bmycharity.com/ marathonsue
Fine Arts at Dartington Fine Arts Brass are making the first appearance at a UK Summer School in their 27 year history. From 19th-25th August the FAB quintet, including Katy Jones (née Pryce) on trombone, will be coaching at Dartington Festival’s Advanced Brass Chamber Music course. Website www.dartington.org/ summer-school
BONELAB in Truro
(c)JuergenPeperhowe
Alto trombone grades
Durham brass festival An exciting new festival featuring an international mix of brass performers will be launched in Durham this summer. BRASS - Durham International Festival (1 - 15 July 2007) has booked Boban Markovic Orchestra, Mnozil Brass, Bellowhead, Brazz Brothers and Dennis Rollins as headline acts, as well as hosting two brass band contests and Acid Brass. Boban Markovic, described as “Serbia’s best trumpeter”, leads his 12 -piece brass group (pictured) who “always perform full power like a stadium Rock
act” in their music mix of “Gypsy grooves, Èoèeks and other dances and tunes from the movies of Emir Kusturica as well as new material composed exclusively for the band.” Austrian brass septet Mnozil Brass present shows featuring slapstick humour, Bohemian Rhapsody, light classics and drinking songs. Bellowhead are an English folk group with a big band sound. Brazz Brothers are a Norwegian jazz brass quintet. Website www.brassfestival.co.uk
Eric Crees and Simon Wills will be teaching at the International Trombone Seminar in Cornwall this summer. Organised under the auspices of Roger Argente’s BONELAB and Paul Thomas, the course will be open to all trombonists and based in the spacious facilities of Truro School from 15-20th July 2007. “Anyone looking for a trombone course in 2007 should attend this one. Simon Wills and Eric Crees (together with Peter Gane) at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama constitute unarguably the most successful trombone teaching partnership anywhere in the world,” writes Paul Thomas. The cost is £495 which will include tuition, accommodation and all meals. A deposit of £100 is payable to reserve a place. Contact Paul Thomas, 34 Hill Hay Close, Fowey, Cornwall PL23 1EN, GB. Telephone/fax 01726 833553 Email paulthomasesq@talktalk.net
Blandford BTS Day The day will start at 9am on Sunday 27th May for free coffee and registration in the Seally Suite at the Crown Hotel, Blandford Forum, Dorset. Bob Hughes (ex-LSO), Kevin Morgan (BSO) and John Pritchard (ex-LPO) will be taking masterclasses and massed blows, culminating in a performance. The idea of the day is maximum blowing. Jonathan Warburton will be making a guest appearance to perform several world premieres and fresh back from France, the “Stagnant Fossils” will be making an appearance too. Trade stands will include Dawkes, The Valve and Maestros. In addition, Adrian Jarvis will be on hand to carry out on-the-spot repairs. Cost includes a hot/cold buffet lunch: £15.00 to BTS members, £20 to non-members and £10.00 for concessions (over 65s, under 16s and students). Paul Coker The Trombonist | Summer 2007 |
FEATURES Bousfield playing solo with the LSO and a day of trombone activities attracted a big crowd
LSO trombone extravaganza On the morning of 9th March more than 80 trombone players arrived at London’s Barbican and LSO St Luke’s Centre to mark the world premiere of Jonathan Dove’s Stargazer with Ian Bousfield and the London Symphony Orchestra. The day was planned by LSO Discovery in conjunction with the BTS. Participants were able to attend the morning rehearsal with the LSO. This was a great opportunity to hear Ian Bousfield rehearse with the orchestra with Michael Tilson Thomas conducting. Ian thanked the LSO for inviting him back as a soloist and appetites were whetted for the evening performance. A warm welcome to LSO St Luke’s by Dudley Bright, Principal Trombone of the LSO, was followed by a Q&A session with the concerto soloist and composer. Ian and Jonathan explained they had wanted the work to fill a void in the trombone repertoire by creating a piece that would be easily accessible to the listener; having a strong musical message and without being overshadowed by technical pyrotechnics.
Dudley then led a master class in orchestral sectional playing using students from the top London music colleges and Birmingham Conservatoire. Dudley’s approach was supportive yet demanding, advising players on techniques such as sound, articulation, balance and style. In one example from Mahler’s second symphony Dudley was able to illustrate how a low brass section could produce a much darker sound by tilting the dynamic balance slightly in favour of the lower voices. To round up the afternoon players divided into two trombone choirs to rehearse
for a short early evening performance. In the space of just twenty-five minutes Jim Maynard, second trombone with the LSO, transformed a group of eighty players of mixed ability into an ensemble which gave a very respectable performance of Gabrieli’s Sonata Pian’e Forte. Dudley conducted a fine performance of the Finale from SaintSaens’ Organ Symphony arranged by John Challis. I led some of the younger players through arrangements of Pastime With Good Company and Scarborough Fair. As players took a well-earned rest it was a pleasure to award Honorary Life Memberships to all the past presidents of the BTS. Tony Parsons who did such a wonderful job as editor of “The Trombonist” for over twenty years was to receive an award in recognition of his services to the BTS. Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances his train was severely delayed and he was unable to join us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again Tony! Bob Hughes
Scintillating new Dove work The LSO commissioned Jonathan Dove to write a concerto in 1999 for its then principal trombone Ian Bousfield. In 2000 Ian moved to the Vienna Philharmonic and the world premier has waited until recently when, on the 9th March, Stargazer came to life with an electrifying performance by Ian and the LSO. The piece, scored for large orchestra, minus the low brass, is diatonic with references to American minimalism and features a kaleidoscope of orchestral colour. There are some sprinklings of Stravinsky and Bernstein and at one point hints at a quasi swing, big band feel. Ian is a player who relishes and rises to the big occasion. His playing was extraordinary, flying over a range of more than four octaves with apparent ease. But his technical prowess never overshadowed the musical content. Moments of floating tranquillity were played with great sensitivity. The writing for trombone ranges from the lyrical to fast and virtuosic. Glissandos are used with an expressive, sighing effect. Flutter tongue, lip trills, rapid harmonic lip glissandos and a brief section with multiphonics add to the range of techniques employed. Bob Hughes
“a serious and wholly engaging 20-minute tour through the heavens. ... His writing for the trombone, an instrument that is too often typecast as “Big Bad Wolf” or “Clown”, is commendably lyrical” Daily Telegraph
“beautiful, impudent concerto ... Bousfield was mightily impressive: Dove’s trombone writing is genuinely operatic in that he allows the instrument to sing in ways that redefine its lyrical potential.” The Guardian The Trombonist | Summer 2007 |
FEATURES
Essex rhapsody The 7th Essex Trombonefest was a great success with more than 30 players attending, despite a change of day.
David Pickthall, Director of Music at Brentwood School, kindly provided facilities for the event on Sunday 25th February, giving plenty of room for the practicalities: cases, coats, even a happy band of supporters (also referred to as ‘taxi drivers’) who stayed to listen. Adrian Parker once again provided a trade stand with a full range of trombones and other goodies from Phil Parker Ltd. With drum kit set up stage centre, we kicked off with the now traditional warm-up – a beautiful five-part arrangement of Here’s that Rainy Day. Then we passed from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again, including Finlandia, Pastime With Good Company, and Fanfare for the Common Bone (with apologies to Copland). Each year the pad has grown slightly with new arrangements (mostly home-grown) and some that have been | Summer 2007 | The Trombonist
bought through donations. This year’s new release was a home-penned version of Bohemian Rhapsody! It seemed to have worked well – certainly well enough to be the item chosen for the encore – we are very democratic at Essex Trombonefest!! Essex Trombonefest has stuck to the principle throughout that it is about bringing together trombonists from all walks of life, young and old. The oldest player there was in his late 70’s and the youngest was just nine years old. The aim has always been to provide opportunities for the developing player to stand amongst those of a much wider experience and to take away a little inspiration. Matt Lewis has attended since he was twelve, and the opportunities of playing alongside the likes of Mark Nightingale and Dudley Bright have inspired him to achieve 1st Trombone in the NYO and a scholarship to the Royal Academy next year. John Turner, parent of two of the younger players, Daniel and Matthew, wrote: “I encouraged both my sons to attend and although they were a bit reluctant at first, they enjoyed themselves enormously.
We also enjoyed sitting listening to you all. It is such a tremendous experience for everyone. Looking forward to next year.” Alex Rose wrote: “My son (mine was the nine year old) really enjoyed himself and I’m sure it’s given him a lot more confidence to play in front of others as well as introducing him to a marvellous variety of music. I’m sure his teacher will be thrilled that you did Finlandia whereas I was so pleased you did Big Noise from Winnetka. Having the drums made them all really exciting.” Next year’s event is due 26th January 2pm, so book it in your diaries now! We would love to hear from any professional players who would be prepared to pop out to Brentwood for the afternoon (only twenty minutes from London Liverpool Street) and we are very much on the lookout for a guest ensemble to perform a short guest slot in the middle of the afternoon. Jeremy Lewis Contact Jeremy Lewis (01277 364646) or lewis_s@ntlworld.com
FEATURES
Bath day opens ears of young trombonists On Friday 16th March 35 trombone pupils from Bath and North East Somerset Music Service and neighbouring authorities came together for a day of tromboning with Kevin Price, Mark Eager and eight students from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The day started with massed warm ups from the pupils and a quick run through of Soldiers Chorus and Crazy Frog for massed trombones. The Cardiff boys then played a short recital including some Gabrieli, Here’s That Rainy Day and others. This completely amazed the pupils who were immediately divided into two choirs, one taken by Kevin, the other by Mark (kindly stepping in at the last minute for Chris Mowat who was ill). The younger trombonists tackled Russian National Hymn and Auld Lang Syne, while the older ones prepared Superman and some Palestrina. After lunch three brave pupils put themselves forward for a short masterclass session with Kevin and Mark, during which things such as breathing, giving a sense of occasion, and interpretation of the music were discussed. The day of rehearsals led to all participants giving a final concert to parents at the end of the day. It was a great day leading to lots of positive comments from participants and their parents. Can I say a huge, huge thank you to Kevin, Mark and the RWCMD for giving us all such a wonderful day. Andrew Foister
Thunderbones in Bradford The omens were not good: An event planned to start at 10:00; a small group of keen, if anxious trombone players arriving; a trombone player’s wife wondering where to serve lunch and the school venue firmly locked with no sign of access or anyone being able to come and let the intrepid musician in (even the fire brigade was considered!) Thus began a masterclass organised by Chris Houlding as part of the Saltaire Festival, on Saturday September 16th 2006. Chris had given a splendid recital the previous evening in Saltaire United Reformed Church, with Simon Lindley, Leeds City Organist. His theme of “Trombonology” had started the weekend well, and Chris had given his usual accomplished performances of a variety of pieces from Bach through to Bernstein, and a world premiere of a new work by Peter Swan. But come the morning, no resting on laurels, the school doors were firmly locked. However, someone in this world appreciates the plight of a group of trombonists with nowhere to go, and a very suitable alternative was found, none other than the very church Chris had played in
the previous evening. Accompanied, for the morning at least, by members of the public wandering in and out to admire the flower displays, the architecture (and no doubt the trombone-playing!). Chris had organised a class of nine players, mostly of a younger generation, but with a triplet of more seasoned others, and we were treated to a full masterclass and enjoyable day. The morning was spent in basics, covering breathing, tone production, posture and the like, but also looking into issues such as micro-tuning, and finer points of more advanced playing. And of course with such an ensemble there was ample opportunity for carefully putting these points into practice. Even the simplest of phrases, such as those in Bruckner’s Locus Iste took on new challenges when breathing, tone quality, intonation and phrasing all come together. Old favourites like Rainy Day and Under the Double Eagle were aired, along with a great arrangement of Thunderbirds – or should it be Thunderbones? Lunch proved to be a delightful al fresco affair served in the sunny church grounds, thanks to Chris’s wife Anne. The general
opinion was that it was much nicer to be there than inside the school anyway! For the afternoon, the gremlins struck again: during our transfer to another venue in Saltaire’s Victoria Hall, another locked door was encountered. This time it was a very helpful caretaker who came to the rescue. Now with the use of a piano, it was time for the younger members to go through their pieces. Whilst we may still be reckoned an endangered species, after hearing the performances, there seems considerable hope for us yet! And then to the bandstand for a quick public airing of the day’s achievements. The sun shone on us, and behind their beer and fast food, most of the audience listened and clapped enthusiastically. No doubt we were a unique experience for them alongside performances from folk groups and rock bands… A very enjoyable day was had by the participants, who unanimously declared – “let’s do it again!!” Thanks very much to Chris and Anne for organising what was a splendid day. Peter Chester The Trombonist | Summer 2007 |
FEATURES The weather fails to dampen spirits in Northern Ireland during their BTS festival weekend 3-4 February
Sunshine on a Foggy Day Saturday Motorbike noises
The BTS Northern Ireland weekend opening with the Ulster trombone ensemble joined with the St Mary’s Brass band from Tempo, County Fermanagh to give a children’s concert that was sponsored by the Western Education & Library Board’s music service. Unusually it saw the premier of a new interactive work for trombone ensemble and thirty young trombone players making motorbike noises written by Bob Quick. Also it was satisfying for the trombone ensemble to perform to an audience of over 300.
Sunday Trombone day and concert
‘Hi Steve, the time is now 7am. I’m at Liverpool Airport and all flights are cancelled’. This was not the start to the 4th Northern Ireland BTS Day that we had hoped for, as Brett Baker phoned to say that there was no way to get over to us due to heavy fog. One look out of the window confirmed that the conditions here were just as bad. Would this mean that we were going to be without any guest soloists, if the weather was the same throughout the country? Simon Johnson arrived from Glasgow successfully at Bann House in Portadown, but there were only around half a dozen participants by 11am. We received a call from ‘the two Bobs’, (Bob Hughes and Bob Quick) to say that they had got lost on the road from Omagh, and there was no sign of the players who were coming from the RTE orchestras in Dublin – it wasn’t
looking good! By around 11:30 we had enough to make a start and Simon agreed to lead the warm up. Bob Hughes arrived shortly afterwards and put the slowly growing massed choir through Scarborough Fair, Pastime With Good Company and Thunderbirds. Simon Johnson followed the massed blow with a review of the unaccompanied trombone repertoire, showing immediately his mastery of the instrument in a wide range of techniques. He was not afraid to be critical of some of the unreasonable demands made by composers on players, much to the agreement of those present! This was followed by a short public rehearsal for the ‘advanced octet’, now that the Dublin boys had made their journey through the dense mist. The octet consisted of Steve Mathieson (RTE CO), Jim Kitchen (1st Old Boys Band), Jason Sinclair (RTE SO), Simon Johnson (BBC SSO), Bob Quick (Strabane Concert Brass), Stephen Cairns (1st Old Boys Band), Nathan Power (Freelance) and Ben Bouzan (East Anglia BTS). The music rehearsed was the Trolley Song and Bess You Is My Woman, which featured Simon as soloist. After a sociable lunch, Bob Hughes worked once more with the massed choir, which had grown to more than 20 players. We were excited to host the 1st Old Boys Band for the 5pm concert, and Gordon Campbell who had just managed to arrive in time for the rehearsal. He introduced his
solo in his usual entertaining and skilful manner: a great George Chisholm arrangement of Basin Street Blues. Simon Johnson paid tribute to Don Lusher with his Concert Variations and also Bill Geldard’s lovely arrangement of Stardust. Following some fine band pieces, the octet took centre stage. The concert was brought to a rousing finale with Bob Hughes and the massed choir (now up to 26!). A great day of music making was had by all and here’s to next year and a better weather forecast!
Sunday night Jazz at the Seagoe
After a great BTS day, the night was set up for jazz. Gordon Campbell (1st trombone, BBC Big Band) and Bruce Adams (trumpet) got together with a local rhythm section for a session in the Seagoe Hotel in Portadown. This was the second year Gordon and Bruce had appeared, and they are building up a good following from all over N. Ireland. Two of the highlights of the evening were Gordon playing the ballad Here Comes that Rainy Day, and Bruce playing a trumpet and a flugel horn at the same time, one in each hand! The event was sponsored by Vincent Bach International, and our thanks to Brian Casson. So, roll on next year! Stephen Cairns Ian Simpson Bob Quick
Photography: Paul McCullough (Bangor, County Down)
Above Right: Rory Ingham (student from the South Eastern Youth Orchestra), Simon, Ian Simpson (Part-time tutor for the South Eastern Music Centre) and Bob Hughes.
| Summer 2007 | The Trombonist
REVIEWS Moments of Noise Robert Bachner Big Band Website www.robertbachner.com
I first heard trombonist Robert Bachner live in concert with the Vienna Art Orchestra. I was totally blown away, so when asked to write a review of one of Bachner’s CDs I was only too willing. Moments of Noise consists of nine tracks all either composed or arranged by Bachner. After listening to the entire CD several times, my favourite remains the first - Heart Disc - which just has the most incredible energy. The entire CD has been produced to the best quality and the balance is spot on in every aspect. Every track is
really tight, has sheer excitement, a brilliant fat sound and has that ‘feel-good’ factor. The trombone sound on the CD has great bite to it, which I love, and feel that a lot of big bands lack, or are maybe too scared to execute sometimes. All the soloists are totally faultless and Bachner is one of those exciting soloists you must go out of your way to hear live. Horns are always tested when the rhythm drops out, but in these sections in Bachner’s band there is nothing but complete control. The track So Rare is all unaccompanied and shows amazing musicianship from all players. I would love to hear this band live and think this CD should be on everyone’s iPod! Carol Jarvis A New Tune a Day for Trombone CD + DVD Edition Book 1 Amos Miller Boston Music Company £14.95
The A Tune a Day series of books have long been synonymous with
the earliest memories of learning an instrument, although in recent years they have felt increasingly dated. Not anymore: Royal Ballet Sinfonia principal trombone Amos Miller has reworked A Tune a Day into what should become the model. The pattern of lessons and regular tests has been retained but the content radically updated to reflect contemporary trombone teaching. The most impressive aspect of this publication is the clarity of the layout, which allows a wealth of information to be conveyed without any sense of being overwhelmed. Each lesson starts with clearly set out, realistic goals which are then simply and concisely explained. Early lessons are liberally served with large, well thought-out demonstration photos, and regular tips promote the good breathing, posture and embouchure crucial for a sound foundation. Along with the now obligatory playalong CD, performed by Miller, an edition which also includes a DVD is available in which Robb Tooley introduces the trombone and demonstrates everything from how to assemble the instrument to extended techniques. Although there are no references to the DVD anywhere in the book, the DVD usefully mirrors the early material and could aid students in the difficult periods between the first few lessons. Alastair Warren
The Trombonist | Summer 2007 |
REVIEWS
Diversions The Band of HM Royal Marines, featuring Gordon Campbell Website www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk
In 1976 Don Lusher made a seminal recording of Gordon Langford’s Rhapsody for Trombone and Brass Band which went on to inspire a whole generation of young tromTurning Back the Clock Mark Nightingale Warwick Music £24.99
Turning Back The Clock for solo jazz trombone and trombone octet was written by Mark Nightingale in memory of his father who, after a long fight against cancer, died in the summer of 2004. It comes in three movements - Loss, Battle and Shock and Hope - with each movement representing a snapshot of a period connected with the illness. Mark’s writing is expressive, colourful, rhythmic and above all extremely musically and technically challenging. You will need two first rate bass trombonists and six very accomplished tenor trombonists. I suspect the solo jazz part was written with himself in mind with eight of his professional colleagues in support! Peter Gane Off The Beaten Tracks Kevin Morgan Website www.trombonemusic.co.uk
Kevin Morgan’s first solo CD is a 12 track offering of beautiful melodies characterised by impeccable trombone playing – a beautiful, round warm tone coupled with flawless tuning and articulation. Kevin, principal trombone at the Bournemouth SO, has composed nine of the tracks himself, two are composed by Dan Jenkins and there is one collective arrangement with Jenkins and guitarist Karen Evans. The style is generally light, blending jazz and popular styles with folk influences, and the CD production quality is clean and
bone players, who up until then were either sliding their way through The Acrobat or tripping over The Blue Bells of Scotland. The impact in my view cannot be over stated. The boundaries had changed and trombone players across the country were practising their version of the “Lusheroso” slide vib; sadly only Don could do it like that. But we had been given a composition with some musical depth, a true cross-over of musical styles, and a perfect example of how to perform it: a winning formula. Now, exactly 30 years later, comes a new recording which follows in Don’s footsteps and offers an equally exciting prospect. I believe Adam Gorb’s Downtown Diversions is a fabulous work for trombone and wind ensemble. Essentially a three movement concerto, it was written to show the mercurial aspects of the trombone whilst avoiding the cliché: there is not a glissando in sight. Gordon manages to take us into each of these styles seamlessly and with apparent ease, despite the tour de force technique required to perform them.
The extraordinary abilities and beauty of Gordon Campbell’s trombone playing are well known through his work with the BBC Big Band but, particularly during his time in Glasgow, he frequently depped with the symphony orchestras. For anyone who has had the treat of hearing his Tuba Mirum in Mozart’s Requiem, it is clear that Gordon’s approach to music is without boundaries, so it is difficult to imagine a soloist better equipped to record Downtown Diversions, and how fitting that it should be recorded by Don’s successor at the Royal Marines School. My one criticism of this album is that Gordon’s only credit is hidden in the depths of the inlay booklet – his name is missed from the outside of the CD and amazingly the band’s website! Regrettably this remarkable solo recording may stay a well-kept secret. So drop what you are doing, order your copy from the Royal Marines website, and please spread the word! Andy Waddicor
direct. Backing tracks and sheet music for can be obtained for the entire programme through Kevin’s website. My only criticism is that, in spite of the high quality of playing and the attractive material, I find the album a little lacking in contrast: everything is very beautiful and there are no “sharp edges”, but perhaps one needs a little rough to go with the smooth. This is partly to do with the rhythm section element, which is definitely restricted to “accompaniment” as opposed to being a vibrant or driving force in its own right. Not surprisingly then, my personal favourite tracks are the gorgeous trombone ensemble arrangements of Scarborough Fair, Greensleeves, and the Wexford Carol, because in these the beauty of the trombone simply speaks for itself. This is a most welcome debut recording by one of the UK’s finest trombonists, and well worth adding to your collection John Kenny
Return to Sorrento Joseph Alessi Naxos 8.570232
Joseph Alessi’s latest CD is a collection of Italian songs arranged for trombone. Reflecting upon the Sicilian roots of his family, Return to Sorrento is a tribute to the trombonist’s late father, Joseph Alessi Snr. The recording contains a great variety of music, and it is a testament to the New York Philharmonic Principal Trombone’s versatility as a musician that he sounds equally at home improvising to a big band backing as he does performing famous operatic arias. The CD also includes a number of pieces of Italian street music that are accompanied by an authentic street band (accordion and all!), as well as two new works by Luigi Denza. Unsurprisingly, given that the recording is a collection of vocal music, one is particularly struck by the outstanding quality of Mr Alessi’s cantabile playing. No less impressive is his agility in James Kazik’s Variations on Napoli (accompanied by the Juilliard Trombone Choir), and an arrangement of the Overture to The Barber of Seville for alto trombone and piano. Throughout the recording Alessi demonstrates a quality of high playing that is frankly intimidating. Whilst Robert Elkjer’s jazz-inflected arrangements of Nessun Dorma and the Brindisi from La Traviata may not be to everybody’s taste, this CD demonstrates in abundance why Alessi is widely considered one of the world’s greatest living trombonists, and can therefore be strongly recommended. Ed Jones The Trombonist | Summer 2007 | 11
REVIEWS Big Night Out! Dennis Rollins with Badbone & Co. Raestar RAECD1003
First hearing Dennis at the British Jazz Awards last July, I was knocked out by the groove of the track Funk and Disorderly, taken from this, his latest album. With many of the grooving funk tracks, heavy Fred Wesley overtones can be heard. But the album ventures far beyond this safety zone, dipping its toes into the worlds of gospel, latin, dance, drum and bass and beyond. In fact, the tasteful juxtapositions of these different styles in this well-produced and largely self-penned album give the feel of a
journey, rather than just ten tracks lumped together. Dennis’ playing is what we have all come to expect of him, with a great sound, technique, creativity and soul. There are also some interesting touches, such as the use of effects pedals and multi-tracking. However, there is more to this album than just Dennis; the band itself is a pleasure to listen to. This is certainly an album worth checking out – there is some excellent playing and varied writing. Importantly, rather than being restricted to a straight-ahead quartet album, Dennis takes a fresh approach to showcasing the abilities of the trombone. Alistair White
LAST WORD British trombonists seem busier than ever and it’s great to celebrate the activities and achievements in your BTS magazine, The Trombonist. The LSO’s day was surely a highlight of the last few months, but it’s great to hear reports of other quality events happening across the BTS map from Portadown to Glasgow. Many thanks to Alison Henry who produced some really professional BTS magazines in 2006. We realise that the issues have not been as timely as they have been in the past, and it’s something the Executive Board has put a lot of effort in to tackling, so all being well you’ll now receive regular news and articles from all corners of our community. David Read BTS Editor
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BTS Bristol Day BTS Scotland Day Gordon Campbell Dennis Rollins Dennis Rollins LSO Brass Dennis Rollins BTS South Day ITF2007 John Kenny Fine Arts Brass Paul Taylor Fine Arts Brass Don Lusher Big Band Onyx Brass BRASS John Kenny Don Lusher Big Band Don Lusher Big Band
See page 2 See page 1 Ruislip Manor (01895 637487) RNCM (0161 907 5555) NNF07 (01603 766400) Bath Abbey (01225 463362) Corn Exch (01635 522733) See page 3 trombonefestival.net University Concert Hall Coverwood (01306 731101) trombonepoetry.com St. James’s Piccadilly londonoriana.com De Montfort Hall (0116 2333111) King’s (jamconcert.org) See page 3 Glasgow Tramway Fairfield Halls (020 86889291) Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff-on-Sea, (01702 351135)
BTS People Full contact details available at: www.trombone-society.org.uk Executive Board President Bob Hughes (ex officio) Vice-President Gordon Campbell (ex officio) Chair Brett Baker Vice-Chair Ben Bouzan Education Liaison Stewart Drummond Secretary Geoff Wolmark Treasurer Matthew Parry Staff Membership Manager Steven Greenall Webmaster Edward Solomon Web Associate Mike Saville Editor David Read Advertising Matthew Parry Regional Representatives Scotland Chris Stearn Wales Mark Eager North Chris Houlding East Midlands Peter Lacey West Midlands Simon Hogg Northern Ireland Stephen Cairns Central South Phil Tarrant South Paul Coker South West Tony Evans East Anglia Ben Bouzan Brass Band Nick Hudson 12 | Summer 2007 | The Trombonist
Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 - lower brass
Cartoons from Austrian trombonist Trombonist Rupert Hörbst has always been fascinated by the unique characters of brass players and has just released a book of cartoons and caricatures called “Brassival”. Drawn with affection for the idiosyncrasies of his fellow players in BIG Brass and Rhythm Band in Freistadt as well as several orchestras in Northern Austria, Hörbst readily admits to selfmockery too. The cartoons were exhibited for the first time at the Brass-Festival 2003 in the Brucknerhaus in Linz but he is pleased to present them now in this book for wider enjoyment. Brassival is available from dehaske.com priced £9.45.