Noteworthy Takeaways from “Brassology”

Rather than give a formal review, here are some noteworthy thoughts I took away from listening to Brassology.

• The members of Brassology are truly a ‘Who’s Who” of brass chamber musicians, who currently or have played in a wide range of styles and ensembles. Just look at this list:
  1. Tim Albright (Trombone) – Atlantic Brass Quintet
  2. Chris Coletti (Trumpet) – Canadian Brass
  3. Marshall Gilkes (Trombone) – Maria Schneider Orchestra, WDR Big Band
  4. Carol Jantsch (Tuba) – Philadelphia Orchestra, Tubular
  5. Eric Reed (Horn) – American Brass Quintet, Canadian Brass
  6. Brandon Ridenour (Trumpet) – American Brass Quintet, Canadian Brass
  7. Michael Rodriguez (Trumpet) – Chick Corea’s Spanish Heart Band, SFJazz Collective
  8. Demondrae Thurman (Euphonium) – Brass Band of Battle Creek, Sotto Voce Quartet
• Being this is a debut album, the camaraderie of sounds gives the impression this group has been together for a long time. While certain members have played in bits and pieces, the understanding of a chamber collective is clearly defined from the first track and continues throughout the entire album.
• Having the sheet music available for these tracks allows for this music to go beyond the recording studio and into future live performances by other ensembles, especially for Hell’s Bells.
• The fresh arrangements, especially the hat/tip to Brahms in Brahms 3/3/3, highlight the depth of innovative creativity for this ensemble.
• Can Ya Feel channels a folksy sound and brings together harmonious elements of a chamber group.
• When the same instruments are in unison (i.e., trombone, the voice carries an impactful single sound. As improvisatory trading occurs between the musicians, the blending of structured spontaneity makes you smile.
• The beginning of Edenberry strikes the heart and immediately triggers thoughts of loved ones. Gilkes’ composition has always been good in its various arrangements, and hearing it in a brass chamber setting is an added, reflective benefit to the possibilities for this special work.
• Bedtime Fables is nearly 7 minutes of beauty meshed with solos overlayed on the bed of a continuum of chord changes.
• The blending of Ridenour and Coletti shows the duo’s experience in feeding off each other’s sounds, similar to their familiar Canadian Brass sound.
• This debut recording by Brassology is the beginning of something new and hopefully, something that is not a one-off collaboration. (Folks, book this ensemble for performances).

Click here to learn more about the ensemble Brassology.

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