Dallas Brass

The Dallas Brass has recently emerged as one of the most distinctive brass ensembles in America.  Along with their characteristic use of brass instruments and percussion, the Dallas Brass is also known for it's extensive choice in repertoire.  A concert with this ensemble could include anything from Johannas Brahms to the Pink Panther Theme by Henry Mancini.  Founder Michael Levine once described the group by saying, "a Dallas Brass Concert is intended for the entire family."

One particular aspect of the ensemble that I enjoy is their use of social networking.  The DallasBrass.com site is actively maintained and includes anything from tour dates to educational clinic information.  The website also includes access to all of their CDs as well as a link to their 'sound cloud' that features an audio sample of every song they have ever recorded.  That link can be accessed here.  The group also has an operational YouTube channel with professional made videos and promotions.  I believe this group is a great example of how to a professional brass ensemble should be run in this day & age!


(Their great promotional video can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HswDduOinMw)

The American Brass Quintet

Today's focus will be on the American Brass Quintet.

Trumpet: Louis Hanzlik, Kevin Cobb (Previously Raymond Mase, pictured above)
Horn: Eric Reed (Previously David Wakefield, pictured above)
Trombone: Michael Powell
Bass Trombone: John Rojak

The ABQ is very important in the history of brass ensembles because it was founded on the idea that it will perform music originally written for brass.  Predating their first performance in 1960, brass chamber music was still a relatively new idea.  The concept of the 'brass quintet' had originated ten years earlier with groups like the Chicago and New York brass quintets.  When the American Brass Quintet was formed, the ensemble distinguished itself from these groups by using a bass trombone instead of the conventional tuba for brass quintet.

Today, the ABQ has accumulated dozens albums together and has performed all over the world.  Throughout it's 54 year history, the group has had many esteemed musicians come and go(see the 'family tree' below) but consistently remains an elite ensemble.

Genghis Barbie

Time to put the kids to bed! Today we take a look at Genghis Barbie, a horn quartet group and "the leading post post-feminist feminist all-female horn experience."  These four young ladies and their combined 24 years of conservatory training have taken their pink bells(and pink mutes, outfits, etc.) and unique style all over the country.  Playing mostly pop music from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and present, Genghis Barbie wows their audience with their musicality, flair, and distinctiveness.

Check out this one-of-a-kind brass ensemble perform "The Thong Song" with their horns in the streets of New York City.

Throwback Thursday

This week for Throwback-Thursday we travel to Carnegie Hall on May 5, 1991.  The video above shows the New York Philharmonic playing Fanfare for the Common Man.  Although not exclusively a brass ensemble, the recording shows off the impressive NY Phil brass section.  Enjoy!

Blast!

Making it's debut in 1999, the Broadway production Blast! was first to feature drum & bugle corps on the stage.  Originally the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps, the innovative Blast! show brought the brass, percussion, and color guard of a marching band into a musical-theater setting.

Instruments used:

Trumpet

Flugelhorn

Mellophone

French Horn

Baritone Horn

Euphonium

Trombone

Tuba

Full Percussion Ensemble

Although comprised of primarily drum corps instruments, Blast! also features concert-style instruments which help create it's unique blend of sound.

The extent of personnel involved in the show combined with the difficulty of the music and choreography make Blast! a truly compelling production.

(As of the 2002 season Blast! added woodwind instruments to their shows.)

The American Horn Quartet

The American Horn Quartet was founded in 1982 by four American musicians living and performing in Europe.  Over the past 30 years their popularity as a brass chamber ensemble has skyrocketed.  Although they have mastered the existing repertoire, the AHQ is also active in commissioning new works for horn quartet.  The American Horn Quartet is featured at numerous chamber festivals and brass workshops around the world.

Members:
Kerry Turner
Charles Putnam
Geoffrey Winter
Kristina Mascher
David Johnson(founder)

"The Sooners" from Quartet for Horns No. 3 - Kerry Turner

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to Red White & Brass! The objective of this blog is to share information on various brass ensembles and music from the United States.  It will also take a look at the history of brass groups and their contributions to the advancement of music in America.  Check back for more updates!