Radio City
Trombone soloist: Brett Baker Accompanied by
Black Dyke Band
Conductor: Professor Nicholas J. Childs
The Black Dyke trombone Quartet
The Black Dyke Youth Trombone Quintet
Doyen: DOYCD351

In this unequivocally frenetic world in which we now live, there is little question that each and every one of us craves for solace; we seek time out and the very thought of even a single hour where we can simply offload the pent-up pressure of daily living is never far from our desires. Well, when this wish is next granted I have found a formula that will not only slacken the coiled spring within us, but will lift our spirits, produce childlike grins and transport us to a plain where all our troubles are naught but a far and distant memory.

Waste not a second, put your feet up, fix yourself a large Manhattan and ease back whilst listening to the newly-released Radio City by Brett Baker. From the very first minute, you'll notice there is something rather new and unique about Brett's most recent recording. He has truly thought 'outside the box' with this one. The result is dazzling.

Backed by the gargantuan Black Dyke Band we hear Brett in scintillating form, displaying his entire arsenal of trombone wizardry. His unique and undoubtedly 'Baker' sound rings beautifully throughout each wonderful track.

To whet our appetite for this hour's unadulterated celebration of all things trombone, from the magical pen of Peter Graham we are treated to a most radiant and rip-roaring work as the title track. Radio City is a composition of imagination, skill and titillation.

As always, Brett pays justice to this fine work with his musical finesse and technical dexterity. We hear snippets of dialogue portraying windows of American life. With a 'curious' American accent (more Martin Freeman than Morgan Freeman) our narrator gives us the flavour of the US, whilst Brett intensifies these images with his trombone brilliance.

We also get to relish Brett's 'Dorsey-esque' side in Embraceable You and Autumn Leaves. There are four tracks on this fine CD of the very brilliant Black Dyke Trombone Quartet. A fine arrangement of Mr Sandman stands out. Sadly not quite so vibrant is Bolivar, where Spanish fire is lacking, but amends are made with a rousing rendition of Washington Post that will get your foot-tapping within seconds.

A Concerto by Rob Wiffin, clearly influenced by the orchestral heavyweights of Richard Strauss and Jean Sibelius, allows Brett to display his more classical side. Played with such musical prowess and euphonious wonderment, it is a clear indication that Brett Baker is on the very top of his game.

This CD will have you grinning from ear-to-ear. It is wonderfully crafted with an array of trombone brilliance throughout. There is little doubt that this is Brett's very finest recording to date. One of our most cherished and loved British brass exponents delivers yet again and with such consummate distinction.

SIMON COWEN - Principal Trombone Royal Liverpool Philharmonic