US Army Brass Quintet

[Alex C]

The US Army Brass Quintet were the guest artists of the Dallas Wind Symphony during the July 4th Holiday Concerts and what a treat they were! Professional in every way, approachable, personable, flexible and generous in their comments to us.

At the first rehearsal, Harry Watters (an astounding trombone player) came to the back row, shook hands and introduced himself to every member of the low brass section; he was overflowing with enthusiasm and sheer ability on trombone.

Tubist, Jon Voth was very approachable and easy to talk to which paralleled the ease with which he dispatched numerous wicked-hard licks in the quintet book. Don't mention any shortcomings in European F tubas to him, he's got them all worked out. He sounds like a C tuba in the low register and an F tuba in the high register. Outstanding technique and musicianship on the tuba but he admitted to only being a "one-trick pony" on banjo.

I got a chance to listen to the recently released CD that they made; it is on par with any brass quintet recording I've heard. The scary part was that when they played a couple of the album tunes live, standing up, outside in the Dallas heat.... it sounded as good as the recording.

Dennis Edelbrock on trumpet and Joseph Levinsky on horn were terrific but since I'm a low brass player, I was drawn to the low brass.

Of special mention has to be Woody English's superlative trumpet playing. He was introduced as "the official bugler" of the the US Army; nerves of steel, that one, but every note he plays sounds like pure silver.

Bravo!

Don't miss them when you get a chance.

[EuphDad]

I agree, they were terrific and a great holiday treat. The air-conditioned Meyerson Symphony Center was a much better way to enjoy a 4th of July concert than being outdoors fighting nearly 100 degree heat and fire ants.

Alex, do you know the name of the piece that the Quintet played as they entered
the hall? It was not listed on the program. A Corelli perhaps?

Thanks!

[NDSPTuba]

I thought the Dallas Wind Symphony played at fair park. I really wanted to go to the concert, but I have to admit, I'm chicken to go to that part of town at any time of day, let alone at night. I did end up going to a concert closer to home, it was the first 4th concert I've been to since the last time i played one professionally as a horn player. It made me miss it. I'd love to play 1812 again going into the fireworks show.

[BVD Press]

I got a chance to listen to the recently released CD that they made; it is on par with any brass quintet recording I've heard. The scary part was that when they played a couple of the album tunes live, standing up, outside in the Dallas heat.... it sounded as good as the recording.

Is there a link for sound clips etc.?

[Alex C]

EuphDad:

I think the piece they played first at the Meyerson performance was "My Spririt be Joyful" by Bach and arranged by someone in the Army Band. I thought it was an entrance worthy of the Canadian Brass.

NDSPTuba:

The DWS did play at Fair Park, the quintet was the guest artist but they actually played about half the program. I thought the atmosphere at this outdoor event was good. The Fair Park area has a bad reputation but once in the park, it seemed safe. The crowd was well mannered. Exiting the park was the typical Dallas drivers' nightmare.

And last, BVD:

Unfortunately, the US Army Band website offers few links to anything, a very restricted-use site in my opinion. There are some audio clip links but none for the quintet; the personnel of the quintet is not even listed.

Heads up all! I saw on the website that the Army Band will be in Texas (San Antonio [during TBA?] but NO CHARGE for the concert, Ft. Worth - free tickets) and Ft. Smith, Arkansas this month. I'd go if I were anywhere near the vicinity then.

[Davidus1]

I've heard them before.....excellent musicians. I hope to be able to hear them again. Dave