Aspects of Don Lusher with the JSVB Tribute Band conducted by David Thornton IBB Media. Review by BBW David Childs
Aspects of Don Lusher – Tribute to a Legend
Considered internationally as a leading brass perfromer and educator. brett Baker is also oen of the most recorded brass artists. This latest disc opens with Lushers Aspects of Life, allowing the soloist to showcase his beautiful lyricism befoe a fanfare-like finale. In stark contrast, DL Blues follows, and its simplicity of this Don Lusher composition, combined with the outrageous range required and fun use of the plunger mute, that makes it so attractive and leaves a smile on the face. Other Lusher compositions featured include a first commercial recording of his three-movement Suite for Trombone and Concert Variations – a staple of the brass band trombonist's solo repertoire.
Bill Geldard arranged many solos for Don Lusher, so its little surprise that this disc features several, including Londonderry Air, which makes use of Geldard's trademark cascading muted effects heard in his more familiar Autumn Leaves arrangement. Geldard's settings of Harlem Nocturne and Swinging Down the Alley are firm favourites crafted for Don Lusher's biannual solo competition, whilst Dark Eyes, Song of India and Stardust are all solos performed by Don Lusher himself. However it's Geldard's arrangement of Gershwins I Love's you Porgy that provides one of the many highlights on this disc. With this track, Brett perfectly captures the effortless approach with which Lusher was renowned, whilst we're also treated to some tasteful plunger mute trumpet playing too.
Frnak Sinatra is one of many stars that Don Lusher performed in concert with and David Mann's ballad, In the Wee small Hours of the Morning, was made popular by the crooner as the eponymous track of his 1955 album. Here, it provides the perfect vehicle to showcase Brett's impressive high register, as does Makin Whoopie, another Sinatra classic in which both solosit and JSVB Legacy Band shine.
Youmans' Without a Song, Landfords Sarabande en Blue, What are you Doing for the Rest of your Life and Jimmy Webb's By the time I get to Phoenix are all given stellar performances, whilst Leroy Anderson's The Typewriter highlights the soloist's technical prowess. However, its El Manisero, perhaps better-known as The Peanut Vendor, which leaves a lasting impression, not only for the wonderful opening solo by Brett, but also for the impressively exuberant trumpet contributions from the JSVB tribute band.
David Childs BBW Magazine
With this latest release, trombone soloist Brett Baker not only shines a light on thr legacy of the repertoire of the great Don Lusher, but also further enhances his own reputation as one of the trombone world's leading soloists.
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