Friends:
Last evening I had the distinct pleasure to attend a
performance by the Bay Colony Brass, an ensemble of
brass musicians in the tradition of the great Philip
Jones Brass Ensemble.
Led by the capable direction of tubist Jerry Cadden,
principal conductor, and assistant conductor Thomas
Spataro, the group performed sectional pieces as well as
large pieces, with a nice blend of classical/serious
music and popular/light selections.
Special standouts in the trumpet section were
excellent first trumpeters, Chris McGann and Katherine
Evans, both of whom sport beautiful, rich, symphonic tones
and a strong commend of trumpet technique.
But the delight of the evening was hearing TPIN's own
Jim Becker, of Osmun Music, performing several solos
on the flugelhorn! I particularly enjoyed Jim's work
on an adaptation of Appalachian Spring, and *Dulcinea*,
part of an arrangement of tunes from Man of La Mancha.
Too often I hear trumpeters who play the flugelhorn
like it's a trumpet with a thyroid problem!
They overblow, and mistongue, and have no conception
of blending, which the flugel does so well.
This was NOT the case with Jim! Solid, rich, full
sound, good intonation, and perfect style. Bravo, Jim!
The program was as follows:
FestFanfare (1978) by Alfred Uhl, arr. Cadden
Interval Music (2000) by Chris Hazell
Galliard Battaglia (1621) by Samuel Scheidt, arr
Marlatt
(the five trumpets performed this, with Chris McGann
and Katherine Evans as leads)
Why Fumeth in Sight (1567) by Thomas Tallis, arr.
Holland
(the four trombonists performed this, led by
principal trombonist Roger Hecht, whose beautiful sound and
phrasing set the tone for the entire bass line)
Russian Funeral (1936) by Benjamin Britten
-- Intermission--
Robinson's Grand Entree by Karl King, arr Cadden
Fanfare for Barcs (1989) by Kerry Turner
(performed by the horn section, with some amazing
low range work by Neil Godwin, who shown in the upper
register as well!)
633 Squadron (1964) by Ron Goodwin, arr. Deik
Impressions of Appalachian Spring (1945) by Aaron
Copland, arr. Bourgeois
(Jim Becker on solo flugelhorn!)
Overture to Man of La Mancha (1965) by Mithc Leigh,
arr. Cadden
(featuring Jim Becker on *Dulcinea*)
Encore was Rolling Thunder, and roll it did!
If you have a chance to hear this group, you will
enjoy it thoroughly: great blend, intonation, tone, and
style!
Also in attendence were Terry Casey, Pam Madsen,
Marty Rooney and Dave Douglas. We had a TPIN impromptu
post-concert meeting at a local restaurant.
Here's a link to the group's website:
http://www.baycolonybrass.org/
Enjoy!
Take Care!
Jeanne