Audio Review: The Pipes Are Calling by James Box
The Pipes Are Calling
James Box – Trombone
Jean-Willy Kunz – Organ
Musicians are always finding ways to develop a full album rather than just recording ‘random’ music for the instrument. For many, an idea swirls in thought that seamlessly brings various compositions together for a fitting album. James Box’s debut album The Pipes Are Calling is just that.
While reading the liner notes for this album, one sees the purpose behind each selected composition and their personal significance to the soloist. As some selections are originally for trombone and organ (Guilmant, Genzmer, and Forsyth), other selections have been arranged for the two instruments in a beautiful (and sometimes better) version.
Beginning with a familiar work for trombone but arranged for this setting, Berlioz’ Grande symphonie funèbre et triomphale leads into an array of diverse selections. With Box’s power of sound and Kunz’s display through the Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique, this Berlioz work gives us a good glimpse into what to expect from the rest of this “Tour de Force” duo. Leading into the most standard work on the album, Box and Kunz perform a wonderful rendition of the Morceau Symphonique. By far, the most exhilarating work on the album is Genzmer’s Sonata for trombone and organ. In this Sonata, Genzmer, a student of Paul Hindemith, brings two powerful instruments into a euphony of sound. If Hindemith wrote a piece for trombone and organ, this is what it would sound like. Finishing the album is a version of Arthur Pryor’s Air Varie with trombone and organ, followed by a tip of the cap to the tune, Danny Boy, from which the title of the album is based off.
All in all, this is a wonderful debut album from James Box. His purity of sound flows right into sound of the organ. With what can be physically demanding in performing with an organ, Box shows his efforts of power, finesse, and elegant playing. By including Jean-Willy Kunz and the organ of the Maison symphonique de Montréal, The Pipes Are Calling provides familiar works in a different yet unique setting that is very satisfying for any organ or trombone enthusiast. Purchasing the physical copy of this album is well-worth your money as the booklet provides excellent photos of performance as well as descriptions and a history of this special organ in Montréal.
Track List:
1. H. Berlioz – Recitative and Prayer from Grande symphonie funèbre et triomphale, op. 15
2. A. Guilmant – Morceau Symphonique, op. 88b
3. G. Handel – Aria: Ombra from Xerxes
4-6. H. Genzmer – Sonata for Trombone and Organ
7. B. Mueller – Gebet “Adagio Religioso,” op. 65b
8-10. M. Forsyth – Soliloquy, Epitaph, and Allegro for Trombone and Organ
11. R. Strauss – Allerseeln, Op. 10, No. 8
12. A. Pryor – Air Varie
13. Folklore/Traditional – Danny Boy
Click here to purchase the album.
