New York Staff Band

18 July 2014

New York Staff Band

The New York Staff Band represents the finest in Christian brass band performance.  Holding the distinction of being the first ‘staff band’ in Salvation Army [SA] music history, the NYSB meets the challenge of maintaining the highest standards of musical practice and Christian ministry expected of such a model group. When the band released its first 33-rpm ‘long play’ [LP] back in 1957 under Staff Bandmaster Richard Holz, it was heralded as ‘America’s Foremost Brass Band.’  The liner notes stated boldly: “From the ‘greatest city in the world’ comes one of the greatest bands of the world. The description of the band by a leading New York music critic over 70 years ago–“amateur musicians who play like professionals”–can easily be underscored and endorsed in the second decade of the 21st century. The NYSB has been and continues to be a trailblazer in SA and brass band music making.

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Pilsen Philharmonic

18 July 2014

Pilsen Philharmonic

The Pilsen concert life was developing successfully already in the 19th century. The Pilsen Philharmonic Circle founded in 1882 became one of forerunners of Pilsen Philharmonic in the Pilsen’s modern history. This ensemble played a distinctive role in the city´s culture life as well as prepared the platform for the later orchestra and culture life development.

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Jewels – American Brass Quintet

8 July 2014

Jewels – American Brass Quintet

Jewels, the American Brass Quintet’s eighth recording for Summit Records, is a collection of six of the ensemble’s concert favorites from their celebrated, forty-seven year history. Embraced by brass enthusiasts and audiences worldwide, these highlights of the ABQ repertoire include accessible, colorful works from earlier decades by Osvaldo Lacerda, William Lovelock, and Vittorio Rieti, along with recent gems by Clint Needham, Steven Sacco, and David Sampson.

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Syrinx: Voice of the Songbird – B.J. Ward

8 July 2014

Syrinx: Voice of the Songbird – B.J. Ward

Singer B.J.Ward loves to break musical rules and that’s what she has done yet again with her new recording, Syrinx – Voice of the Songbird – an amazing collection of classical favorites performed with a 21st century sensibility.

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Gateways – Music of Daniel Asia

8 July 2014

Gateways – Music of Daniel Asia

Asia’s celebratory “Gateways” caught the CSO full sail. Written in honor of the CSO’s 100th anniversary, the title recalls Cincinnati’s historic “gateway” role. Combining intricate rhythms and boisterous Midwestern braggadocio, it sounds like a mix of Stravinsky and Leonard Bernstein. Brassy, robust “oompahs” alternate with quieter episodes, conveying an infectious, all-American optimism… In fact, if another “Fanfare for the Common Man” (by Aaron Copland, premiered by the CSO in 1943) is to come from this season’s crop of centennial fanfares, Asia’s “Gateways” may be it.  –M. E. Hutton, The Cincinnati Post

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Syrinx: Voice of the Songbird – B.J. Ward

3 October 1814

Syrinx: Voice of the Songbird – B.J. Ward

Singer B.J.Ward loves to break musical rules and that’s what she has done yet again with her new recording, Syrinx – Voice of the Songbird – an amazing collection of classical favorites performed with a 21st century sensibility.

Read more >