CD "Friends in Low Places"

Another worthy addition to Albany's growing catalog of brass specialty discs.

Tuba and bass trombone soloists who wish to perform with wind groups do not have a large, established repertoire from which to choose. In addition, there are not many recordings of that repertoire that can serve as models for aspiring soloists. This CD helps to solve that problem. Eric Ewazen writes: "The Concerto for Bass Trombone and Wind Ensemble began life as a sonata for tuba and piano. On the suggestion of Warren Deck of the New York Philharmonic, I turned it into a concerto for tuba or bass trombone and orchestra, for the Low Brass Competition at The Juilliard School in 1997. It was subsequently arranged for wind ensemble by a colleague at The Juilliard School. I have had the genuine pleasure of working with Charles Vernon over the years, and his wonderful musicality and amazing virtuosity are inspirations to me as a composer. Having heard an extraordinary performance of this work by Charlie and the DePaul University Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Donald DeRoche, I am delighted that their interpretation of the Concerto is now recorded for posterity." Edward Gregson is one of Britain's most versatile composers, whose music has been performed, broadcast, and recorded worldwide. He was a prize winning composition student at the Royal Academy of Music from 1963-67. A noted conductor of contemporary music, he has also held numerous academic posts, including Professor of Music at Goldsmith's College, University of London, visiting teacher and conductor at the Royal Academy of Music, and Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music.

CONTENTS:
Ralph Vaughan-Williams, composer
Concerto for Basstuba
Floyd Cooley, tuba, DePaul University Wind Ensemble, Donald DeRoche, conductor

Eric Ewazen, composer
Concerto for Bass Trombone and Wind Ensemble
Charles Vernon, bass trombone, DePaul University Wind Ensemble, Donald DeRoche, conductor

Edward Gregson, composer
Tuba Concerto
Floyd Cooley, tuba, DePaul University Wind Ensemble, Donald DeRoche, conductor

Richard Strauss, composer
Concerto No. 1 for Horn, Op. 11
Floyd Cooley, tuba, DePaul University Wind Ensemble, Donald DeRoche, conductor

REVIEW:
Review to come.