Brass Tacks 2
Navona, 2023
8/10
A listen that spotlights 7 different composers, there’s certainly no lack of brass to be found across these 9 pieces that embrace a diverse range of styles and plenty of different emotions from the very capable players.
The radiant “Echoes”, by Lawrence K. Moss, opens the listen with the Filharmonie Brno’s orchestral interaction being both upbeat and reserved in exciting ways, and Edward Messerschmidt’s “Fantasia For Horn And Piano” follows with Anne Howarth’s horn and Julia Scott Carey’s piano creating agile and melodic gestures of warmth.
In the middle, the brass quartet of Lukáš Soldán (1st trumpet), Josef Zimka (2nd trumpet), Zbyněk Pavluš (trombone) and David Křížek (tuba) interact with no lack of playfulness and grace in the Henry Wolking piece, while Janice McCaulay’s “Chorale, Fanfare, And Prayer” is an intimate moment that employs NdBrass for the calming, emotive presence.
The last track, Paul Paccione’s “Radical Ears”, pairs NdBrass with Stanislav Slavíček’s piano and Petr Hladík’s percussion for the haunting and textured finish that’s quite distinct and gripping.
A listen that touches on jazz, fusion and explores the bounds of brass dynamics, each song present carries a tremendous amount of care and exploration.
Travels well with: Trio Casals- A Grand Journey; Sirius Quartet- Playing On The Edge 3