Customer Reviews

King's Court and Celtic Fair

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I love the Emprire Brass! However, this is the worst of their CDs that I own (and that number stands at nine). The previous review faulting the mixing is right on. The percussion was obviously recorded elsewhere and in no way blends in with the ensemble. Several pieces are percussion with Empire Brass serving as the accompaniment. The mix sounds like it was done by a High School percussionist. I love brass, but this CD will see little play by me. Too many discs by Empire Brass and other artists that are worth listening to over this one.

The songs on this album are a delicious swirl of brass, drums, and bagpipes. My one-year-old can't resist bouncing and jiggling along with the music, which makes me love it even more. Their rendition of "Amazing Grace" gives me goosebumps every time I hear it, which is pretty often! The songs have a festive feel, making this a great alternative to the stereotypical selections on most holiday CDs.

I've owned this recording for years. My family and I absolutely love the lively renditions. Ignore the naysayers - sample this CD and you'll love it too!

The Empire Brass Quintet's arrangements for trumpets, French horn, trombone and tuba, are--if not exactly period--pleasingly creative, crossing cultural and temporal boundaries with natural ease. Adding zest to the recording is the outrageously lively and exotic percussion (both acoustic and electronic) of Kurt Wortman, as well as bagpipes, drums, vocals, violin, cello, recorder and guitar provided by a host of other guest artists. This music is not meant to be historically authentic, but just plain fun. And it is! I picked this up on impulse in a bookstore because of the whimsical cover art, and it turned out to be one of my favorite purchases in years. Give it a sampling and see for yourself!

The audio mixing engineer did a terrible job on this one. The drummer sounds like he was placed in a large empty hall with the microphone 2 inches away. His rat-a-tat completely overwhelms the music.

My grandchildren have enjoyed my King's Court CD so much that I ordered one for each of them. It's a neat way to introduce them to early music and to the classical world. Some of the percussion and brass sections especially are absolutely engaging for them and me. My seven year old loves to listen to the "musical jokes" in some of the pieces and then to explain to her parents what that means.
Great CD!

I heard a selection from this CD on a public radio station during a recent vacation to the Northeast US; loved the music and knew I had to own the CD. I have a large selection of Celtic music, smaller selection of Early music; this CD is a great combination of both genres.

The Empire Brass Quintet is one of the leading Brass ensembles in the world today, and this album showcases why. Their intonation, blending, sense of phrase, unity of sound, and beauty of tone is unparalleled. If you have any appreciation for Brass ensemble literature and/or Celtic music in general, this album weds the two in a superb example of tasteful musicianship.