SUPER ALTO TROMBONE WORK - MIKEHALL SHOWS HOW
Arthur B. Cramer | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | 08/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a 30 years plus amateur trombonist, I can say that the alto trombone is not exactly an instrument that I have ever considered my preferred trombone voice. Well, after hearing this CD, while still a die-hard tenor trombone voice affacinado, the next time that someone offers to play their Alto Trombone for me, I will drop what I am doing and come running!
This is just a great CD! If you are a "Classical Music" enthusiast, you will find this a very satisfying listen. It is just full of great music, wonderful melodies, and very polished and sensitive sounds. If you are a trombonist looking to hear something a little different, this will prove a very satisfying experience. Finally, whether young or old, if a student of the trombone, studying or hobbyist, this will prove a great introduction to the Alto Trombone and what it can do.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Hall very recently at a music camp for adult amateur musicians. He is a great communicator, and was very generous with his time. I had the pleasure of hearing him play there, and can tell you that I got just as much satisfaction out of hearing his playing on this CD as I did hearing him play in person.
The CD is just full of great musical moments, inspiration, and wonderful sounds. I have never been a great fan of the Alto Trombone as I said above. It sounded just too nasal in quality for my tastes. But, this CD puts that feeling to a rest, at least in this listener's ears. Dr. Hall gets just a great sound that he dispalys throughout the CD. Always just enough vibrato to enrich a very full and rich sound. I have to admit that if I hadn't know otherwise, I might have been fooled into thinking he was occassionally playing on a tenor trombone, at least to my ears.
Also remarkable is the virtuosity and control he displays. Particularily in the the highest of high range, Dr. Hall plays with a sound that is full, precise, unstrained and very natural.
As I was listening, I could just imagine one of Corelli's contemporary virtuoso viloinists playing at dazzling, and break-neck speed. Dr. Hall easily duplicates this feeling as you listen and you get a great feeling for what this music sounded like, played by the virtuosi of his day.
The accompanient of Bass and Harpsicord was also a joy. Harpsicordist Rebecca Bell and Double Bassist Larry Rice do a wonderful job in putting down a continuo that sparkles with the same kind of wonderful energy and panache of that heard in the playing of Dr. Hall. I have never been a real fan of the music of this periond, but can say that I really enjoyed hearing these wonderful musicians work as a team to create a very fullfilling listen.
Overall, I really think this CD contains something for everyone, whether occasional listener, music devotee, or instrumental musician. This is a great CD and very deserving of your play. It would be a great addition to anyone's musical library."
Track Listings (23) - Disc #1