Customer Reviews

Trombones Under the Tree

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

 

 

Admittedly, as a trombonist myself I am predisposed to love this CD. The playing is uncanny, with impeccable intonation and such gorgeous tone quality to bring tears to a trombonist's ears...um, eyes. M. Dee Stewart, formerly of the Philadelphia Orchestra and professor of trombone at Indiana University, brought together three of his star pupils for this recording: Joseph Alessi, principal trombonist of the New York Philharmonic and winner of the 2002 International Trombone Association Award; Mark H. Lawrence, principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony, and Carl Lenthe, formerly trombone solist with the Bavarian State Opera (!) and currently professor of trombone at Indiana University. Their playing is superb, and more than one high F comes out so easily and beautifully my jaw dropped.

And although every trombonist NEEDS this CD, there is also a wide appeal for non-trombonists. At its best it is very beautiful. Joy To The World and The Christmas Song are absolutely gorgeous. At its worst, Trombones Under the Tree is like really good Musak, listenable but a touch bland, but perfect for Christmas parties and tree-trimming. The CD contains 30 (!) tracks, ranging from traditional carols (We Three Kings, Deck the Halls, Silent Night, etc.) to Classical favorites (Sheep May Safely Graze, selections from the Nutcracker, etc.) to pop standards (White Christmas, Let It Snow, etc.). Most of the arrangements are terrific and show a similar variety--the majority are for trombone quartet alone, but some are arranged for quartet accompanied by rhythm section. We Three Kings gets a tongue-in-cheek treatment in 5/4 reminiscent of Dave Brubeck's Take Five. Nutcracker Sketches (arranged by Carl Lenthe) demonstrates stunning playing but may annoy purists who find the tempi too slow (no matter how good you are, a trombone just isn't a violin or clarinet!) and the concept inappropriate. The Arabian Dance, however, is absolutely terrific, and the whole is clearly deferential to the original.

I absolutely love this CD. The level of musicianship is phenomenal, as well as the arrangements of the pieces. It's so hard to find good arrangements of Christmas music - most are very bland. You HAVE to have this CD - especially if you play trombone.

How anyone could rate this CD under 5-Stars is a myestery to me!?! The playing and arrangements are AWESOME! Do yourself a favor, buy this CD as well as "The Hollywood Trombones - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The Balboa Bachelors weren't disappointed and you won't be either!

I collect all types of Christmas music. Years ago, I came across "A Festival of Carols in Brass" by the Philadelphia Brass Ensemble (on LP!), and I played it every Christmas. Since then, I've listened to other Christmas brass recordings, and my other favorites are "Christmas Time Is Here" by the Gramercy Brass, and this recording.

Almost every track is tastefully arranged, and the all-trombone sound adds some nice variety to my Christmas music collection.

This is a wonderful album of holiday favorites. All selections are outstanding performances, making this a welcome addition to any CD collection. The music will be especially appreciated by fans of the trombone, but the outstanding musical quality makes it pleasant listening for all.

Gave this as a Christmas gift to a guy who plays trombone in a local band. He says it's great. First time he said it I figured, OK it's a Christmas gift, what else would he say. However, he has repeated the same thing about four times now, so I figure it must really be good.

The playing on this album is amazing. If you want to hear what is possible with a trombone, this will demonstate all aspects.

Better yet, the Christmas season isn't complete (to me) without a good brass ensemble laying down some noel tunes.

The arrangments are clever and interesting, complete with goosebump-raising modulations, and the performances are stunning.

The bass trombone work is phenomenal and worth the price alone.

Enjoy!

I don't know if its personal prejudice or just my taste, but I don't find the sound of "east coast" symphonic players as nice to listen to as those whose sounds more clearly are "Chicago Symphony" influenced (at least as I hear it anyway). Consequently, I find myself viewing everything with "Chicago Symphony" coloured glasses.

I though the CD was "nice". Plenty of competent playing, and solid ensemble work. But,I just didn't hear any real inspiration in the playing of the ensemble. Everything sounded "right", but not magical. For a new trombonist just learning the instrument, this CD will help the learning process; lots of nice sounds, solid musicianship and good ensemble work. However, for a more experienced player, this CD is a disappointment. If you are on a tight budget, or trying to find something that will inspire you, you likely ought to consider putting your money somewhere else.

For anyone reading this review, I am sorry for the negative commentary, but this is just how this CD hit me. As an amateur trombonist of many years, I realize it is easy to throw rocks at an easy target, especially as I knowlingly am unable to aspire to the heights these musicains have rightly attained in their chosen profession. However, I alwasy try to "call em' as I see em'".