Rathamataz Brett Baker accompanied by Black Dyke Band – Reviewed by David Mathis for the ITA Journal 2010
Review of Rathamataz
David Mathie Boise State University
This CD showcases two excellent musical forces with Black Dyke Band and it impressive principal trombonist Brett Baker. There is a variety of styles featured; an opera aria, two Pryor showpieces, quite a bit of jazz and two new works by Andrew Duncan and Derek Bourgeois that are important additions to the repertoire. These two works-Rathamataz and Concertino-were both commissioned by Baker and are well -suited to his extended range and impressive technique. Duncan's eleven minute work is a concerto in miniature with a strong jazz influence; there are some interesting sections that allow the trombone to share the stage with other principals (in particular there is a wonderful trombone/euphonium duet). Bourgeois ‘s piece is not at all like his more familiar concerto; i is a wild, almost angry piece in the style of his earlier test piece Blitz.
Both Pryor works are played in the modern style (big sound, extended range) with a nice sense of rubato and pacing, while the accompaniment well to full brass band. The ballads (Porgy, Alfie, A time for Peace, Phoenix) are rich, smooth but a bit square to this listeners' taste. DL Blues give the band's trombone section, especially the excellent un-named bass trombonist, a chance to shine with the soloist and reminds us of how good the band's low brass section is.
Baker is a fine player with a rich, full tone in the Denis Wick tradition. The sound is well balanced with the Soloist placed quite forward in the mix, and the Black Dyke Band is superb; the upper cornets are so graceful that one almost gets the sense we are at times listening to a woodwind section. Euphonium virtuoso and conductor Nicholas Childs deserves much credit for his preparation and sympathetic accompanying. The liner notes are excellent with a good balance of background information on the composers as well as the trombonists involved in their composition.
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