WindSong
Eric Klay brings his bass trombone centre-stage in a varied selection of stylish classic, contemporary, and big band pieces.
Peter Neville marimba
Simone De Haan tenor trombone
Robert Cossom percussion, vibraphone
John Arcaro percussion
Harry Wilson didjeridu
John Barrett didjeridu, soprano saxophone, synthesisers
Joan Pollock director
Catherine Friend piano
Alan Bray bass clarinet
David Allardice piano
Gary Costello acoustic bass
Ron Sandilands drums
Bob Johnson lead trombone
Eugene Bozza composer
Robert Clérisse composer
Ross Edwards composer
Duke Ellington composer
George Gershwin composer
Richard Rodgers composer
Paul Sarcich composer
Lawrence Whiffin composer
Peter De Visser arranger
Frank De Vol arranger
Damien Collis arranger
From Oz comps to Big Band — 'WindSong' captures them all!
It is unique to combine so many eclectic styles featuring bass trombone on the one disc. "It really does show off the instrument" said trombonist Eric Klay.
The eclecticism found in 'WindSong' is realised in pieces like 'Tropical Funk' featuring the superb improvisational skills of saxophonist John Barrett juxtaposed against new Australian compositions by Ross Edwards: 'Maninya IV', 'Sonata for Two Trombones' by Lawrence Whiffin, and Paul Sarcich's 'Music for Tubes and Sticks'.
Fantastic arrangements of Ellington's 'Don't Get Around Much Anymore', Gershwin's 'I've Got a Crush on You', and Richard Rodgers' 'Nobody's Heart Belongs to Me' complete the line-up.
Eric Klay's list of credentials is impressive: principal bass trombone with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra since 1977; and concert, cabaret shows, film scores and recordings for artists including John Farnham, Debra Byrne, Anthony Warlow, Sammy Davis Jnr., and Frank Sinatra.
In 1986 Klay commissioned, and gave the first performance of, Paul Sarcich's 'Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra' to enthusiastic audiences.
Press quotes
“I'd give the performance at least four stars.”
— Hugo Magliocco, International Trombone Association Journal
“WindSong has a varied program that amply demonstrates [Klay's] versatility, his artistry and professionalism.”
— Alan Mewett, Former principal bass trombone, Sydney S.O.
Artist
Eric Klay
Eric Klay has been the Principal Bass Trombone of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra since 1977. Prior to this appointment he performed with the Elizabethan Trust Mlebourne Orchestra from 1976 - 77. He studied with Mr Roger Davies at The University of Melbourns, Faculty of Music, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree.
Audio preview
Track Listing
- Music for Tubes and Sticks Paul Sarcich 12:08
- New Orleans Eugene Bozza 6:01
- Pièce Lyrique Robert Clérisse 5:35
- Sonata for Two Trombones 1st Movement Lawrence Whiffin 7:38
- Maninya IV Ross Edwards 10:49
- Don't Get Around Much Anymore Duke Ellington Arr: Peter De Visser 2:26
- I've Got a Crush on You George Gershwin Arr: Peter De Visser 2:40
- Nobody's Heart Belongs To Me Richard Rodgers Arr: Frank De Vol Damien Collis 2:41
- Tropical Funk John Barrett 6:41
Performers
- Eric Klay · bass trombone, trombones
- Peter Neville · marimba · track 5
- Simone De Haan · tenor trombone · tracks 1 and 4
- Robert Cossom · percussion, vibraphone · tracks 1 and 8
- John Arcaro · track 1
- Harry Wilson · didjeridu · track 1
- John Barrett · didjeridu, soprano saxophone, synthesisers · tracks 1 and 9
- Joan Pollock · director · track 1
- Catherine Friend · tracks 2 and 3
- Alan Bray · bass clarinet · track 5
- David Allardice · tracks 6–8
- Gary Costello · acoustic bass · tracks 6–8
- Ron Sandilands · tracks 6–8
- Bob Johnson · lead trombone · track 6
Composers
Eugene Bozza
Eugène Joseph Bozza (1905–1991) was a French composer. Bozza studied composition, conducting, and violin at the Paris Conservatoire. He is known primarily for his chamber music. Bozza's work includes five symphonies, operas, ballets, and many pieces for brass ensemble. His larger works are rarely performed outside his native France.
Ross Edwards
One of Australia's best known and most performed composers, Ross Edwards lives and works in Sydney. His commitment to the ideal of music as a positive and regenerative force within the community has led him to explore beyond the confines of Western Art Music.
George Gershwin
George Gershwin (September 26, 1898 – July 11, 1937) was an American composer and pianist. Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are widely known.
Richard Rodgers
More prolific than George Gershwin (who died at 38), more popular than Stephen Sondheim and esteemed among musicians of all genres. Collectively, his catalogue of songs reads like a treasury of classics from American musical theater's golden age.
Paul Sarcich
Paul Sarcich's music is noted for its rhythmic and dramatic flair, and his output particularly reflects his background in percussion, brass, and voice together with his orchestrational ability. Most of his music is written at the behest of performers, often those who are seeking to add to the repertoire for their instrument or group.
Lawrence Whiffin
Lawrence Whiffin was born in Melbourne in 1930, and passed away in November 2012. He spent much of his life abroad. In 1976 Whiffin was appointed Senior Tutor at the Music Department of La Trobe University. This position entailed the teaching of harmony, counterpoint, analysis, form and fugue, and gave him the chance to compose more concert music.
Where to listen
WindSong is available for streaming through Spotify and Apple Music. It can also be purchased through the iTunes Music Store.
WindSong is available as a CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer online ordering.
Product details
- Catalogue number
- MD 3174
- List price
- $25.00 AUD
- Total playing time
- 56 minutes 39 seconds
- Recording Engineer
- Jim Atkins (track 5)
Martin Wright (tracks 2 and 3)
Robin Gray (tracks 1, 4, 6–9) - Venue
- Move Records Studio (tracks 2 and 3)
- Release date
- 1995
- Musical work
copyright - © 1995 Australian Brass Work
- Sound recording
copyright - ℗ 1995 Move Records
- Categories
- Australian, Classical, Jazz
- Barcode
- EAN 9314574317428
Related recordings
Tone-stuffs
This CD by the Melbourne Brass Esemble features an interesting and varied program by five Australian composers. The playing is dynamic and accurate; the sound is full and the acoustic of the recording is very true to life.