Working with pioneering composers and innovative technology, Trombonist Mark Hetzler explores a wide range of colors, energies and textures on this recording of electro-acoustic music for solo trombone. With moods ranging from eerie and tranquil to boisterous and frenetic, this collection of cutting edge pieces will challenge your notion of a trombone’s sonic possibilities.††

Since its founding in 1966, the Western Brass Quintet has specialized in researching and performing old music. This disc features arrangements made by members of the WBQ of English music from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. The choice of this music to arrange and transcribe is based on the beauty of the melodic lines and the interesting harmonic textures. The approach used was one of combining different songs or dances, like in the Holborne arrangement later on this disc, thereby expanding each movement to include up to three pieces. Instead of pairing dances together they selected songs and dances that fit the emotion of the movement and compliment each other well. Improvisatory-like sections have been constructed to connect Dowland’s songs within each movement. Along with written out ornamentations and embellishments, the WBQ performers also have added their own embellishments.

Big Band, Jazz, Spirituals and Gospel Music all had their birth in the United States of America. It is these unique styles that are celebrated on this recording with the ‘King’s Brass’ touch.

In this third release for Summit, TED HOWE invites the listener into a jazz time capsule of love songs, showcasing his eclectic arrangements in the sassy, sophisticated style for which he is noted.

A wonderful program of new wind band gems, including commissions by Boston Brass. Boston Brass has been featured on the CBS Morning Show and NPR’s Performance Today, and has recorded several groundbreaking and extraordinary albums. Poéme Héroique was a commemoration both of the restoration of the Cathedral in Verdun in 1935, and the approximately one million soldiers killed in World War I at the battle of Verdun. This famous organ work is arranged here for brass by J.D. Shaw.

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