Brett Baker and Friends – Brett Baker (Trombone) reviewed by Chris Thomas for BBW Aug 2014
It seems that there is no end to the Brett Baker CD production line at the moment, although this latest release generously packed with 34 tracks across two discs, brings something a little different in its mix of solo numbers by Brett himself, along with performances by a wide range of his close musical friends and colleagues. Releasing a CD on such a scale always brings the danger of hit and miss results, and there is no denying that some of the performances and arrangements succeed better than others here. The result is a recording to be delved into from time-to-time rather than digesting in one sitting. Yet a little time spent with each of the discs reveals a number of engaging and, in some cases unexpected gems.
Leyland Band's principal and bass trombone team of Danny Brooks and Stephen Lomas are athletic and richly-toned soloists in Daniel Schnyder's trick Duo Concertante, the same duo delivering a flowing account of Eric Ewazen's Pastorale. Delving into darker musical territory, Alastair Burrows' virtuosic playing of Simon Will's demanding unaccompanied Lucifer is an impressive exploration of contemporary technique, whilst Brett Baker's own performances include a fine performance of Peregrine's Flight, and silken-toned accounts of Autumn leaves and Stardust.
Most telling of all, though are the abundant talents and promise of the many-featured young players. The Black Dyke Junior Trombone Quartet's playing of Bill Reichenbach's meltingly beautiful arrangement of Scarborough Fair is a fine joy and , not to be outdone, the Black Dyke Youth Quartet's performance of Jeffery Agrell's bluesy Gospell Time, in which Dan Eddison, Adam Reed, Ross Johnson and Wizz Bateman are among the students displaying their potent future potential individually, is delivered in toe-tapping fashion. In times of gut wrenching cuts to musical education, it’s a heartening sign that the future of brass playing is in good hands.
Christopher Thomas
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