Edwards News
Edwards Trombone Artist Chris Thomas & the
Cory Band: The Noble Trombone
Chris Thomas (Trombone) with Cory Band and
Harvey Davies (Piano)
Chris Thomas has maintained a position
as one of the finest trombone soloists for two decades: indeed
he is a trombone player, 20 years ago, who inspired me to continue
playing the instrument. Considering his accolades and stature
in the brass band movement, this solo recording is well overdue.
The album begins with a rousing start in the form of the
title track by Brian Bowen. The Noble Trombone was written
nearly 20 years ago and has been rather sidelined until recently.
Chris shows off his technique to the full, and the bold accompaniment
is impressive from Cory Band. The next track has been very
popular in conservatoire recitals but, again, rather lacking in terms of recordings.
Chris is careful not to overdo the emotion in Milhaud’s Concerto of Winter
considering its chilly seasonal implications. The pianist, Harvey Davies, is
sympathetic throughout this work and the interplay between soloist and accompanist
is second to none.
The next piece, Mosquito, really shows off Chris’s
variety of colours and techniques in what is a fabulous work
for trombone. The band adds to the excitement and drive of
this solo, which is masterfully shaped and controlled by Robert
Childs. The program notes allude to this piece being something
of a nightmare, but I think Chris sounds very much at ease
in this entertaining test.
The second work performed with piano
is Casterede’s Sonatine, which is
another favourite in the recital hall but again due to its
difficulty, few exceptional recordings exist. Once again, Chris
overcomes the musical challenges of this piece with ease and,
in the second movement, produces for me some of the finest
moments on the disc. The exciting last movement is played with
great style and panache and Mr Davies on piano provides bravura
accompaniment.
Next up is a piece that will no doubt become
very popular, in the form of Wilfred Heaton’s Sweet hour of Prayer. This beautiful solo was originally written
for trombone and piano, and is Heaton’s only original
work for trombone. Again we hear sympathetic accompaniment
from the band that adds to the atmosphere created by the soloist.
The third work played with piano accompaniment is the Concertino
by Larsson. Chris used this piece to claim victory at the British
Open Solo Championships many years ago, and the performance
illustrates perfectly why he has the reputation as a master
of his craft in the first movement’s extended cadenza. The
second movement of this work shows off Chris’s musicality,
whilst the third allows him an opportunity to demonstrate his
flawless technique.
Chris chose to end the disc with a tour
de force, Immortal Theme by Ray Steadman-Allen, one of the
most prolific writers for solo trombone. This is a complicated
but hugely rewarding work and Chris produces excitement and
vigour that jumps out at the listener from the CD player.
This CD contains a fresh program, informative notes and inspirational
playing from a fine soloist, along with wonderful accompaniments
from band and pianist. This is a welcome addition to my bursting
trombone CD collection! My only slight disappointment is the
front cover, which, for me does not reflect the spirit portrayed
in the CD.
Brett Baker
British Bandsman, Saturday 3rd November 2007
Posted December 6, 2007
Edwards Trombones Featured on New Video
As part of the build-up to the release date of This
Land of Ours, EMI have released the video that accompanies
Cantilena. Karl Jenkins writes:
"The idea came to me earlier in the year to record an album that reflected
two important facets of traditional Welsh “popular" culture, the
male voice choir and the brass band, brought together for the first time on a
major record release. Male voice choirs and brass bands have been synonymous
with our country since the industrial revolution and although this is true of
many mining communities, particularly in the north of England, the male choir
has a particular resonance in Wales.
"It was clear that I had to employ the best possible practitioners
in these disciplines to make this project memorable and the
choice of both band and choir was easy."
To see the video, go to: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xvlltCrRCKE
Posted December 6, 2007
Cory Band 2007 British open Champions
The band has won the 155th British Open! Following Black Dyke on the stage,
the band delivered a stunning performance of Downie's Visions
of Gerontius that won the unanimous backing of the adjudicators.
The win builds on a remarkable record at this, the most testing contest
arena in the world, of 1 sixth, 1 third, 3 times runners-up and three times
winners since Dr. Bob Childs took the helm in 2000.
Bob brings our performance of Kenneth Downie's Visions of Gerontius to an unforgettable end!
Posted December 6, 2007
Cory Feature in Brass Factory
A new documentary featuring Cory
Band is set to be
aired on BBC 2 Wales. Many bandsmen will have noticed a camera
crew following the Cory Band at this year's National Finals.
This was the culmination
of several months filming a documentary about brass bands in
general called 'The Brass Factory' and will be broadcast on
BBC2 Wales on Monday 3rd December at 7.00pm.
Culmination of work
The programme
looks at the history of brass bands, the keen rivalry within the movement,
family connections as well as the hard work and high standards achieved
by two of our very best bands.
State of contests
It looks at the state of contests and the use of closed adjudication
as well as the high quality work bands do aside from contests
such as concerts and commercial recording.
Featured bands
A number of bands are featured along side Cory and also features
a wonderful testimonial from classical composer, Karl Jenkins
who waxes lyrical about the wonderful high standard of brass
bands and the super attitude of brass band musicians.
The programme
also features the results ceremony from the British Open and
the Nationals this year.
Posted December 6, 2007
Royal
Air Force Choose Edwards
After a lengthy consultation period, the trombone players of
the Royal Air Force band have chosen Edwards trombones to replace
their previous concert trombones.
After arranging several consultations at the Uxbridge base
with both the tenor and bass trombone players an order was
placed for and initial 5 trombones for delivery in October
this year.
Posted December 14, 2006
Grenadier
Guards Choose Edwards Generation III Trumpets
EdwardsUK were very happy to supply the Band of the Grenadier
Guards with Edwards Generation III Bb trumpets earlier this
year. The band can be seen regularly performing at state occasions
and at public duties including the Queen's Birthday Parade
(Trooping the Colour), the daily Mounting of the Queen's Guard
in the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace and at Windsor Castle,
Investitures, State Banquets and at many of Her Majesty's engagements
at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and elsewhere.
Posted December 14, 2006
Chris
Houlding and Don Lucas Record in UK
2006 saw the start of Chris Houlding’s ‘duet album’ project.
After recording with Joe Alessi earlier this year, Chris hooked
up with Don Lucas on his latest visit to the UK. Henry wood
hall, London was the venue for the recording of three Emily
Dickenson songs, transcribed for two trombones and piano. Other
projects for the CD include duets with Ben van Dijk and Jiggs
Whigham.
Don, Chris & Anthony Krauss (pianist)
Posted December 14, 2006
Chris Houlding and Don Lucas Masterclass at Chelsea Barracks
The chapel of Chelsea Barracks was the venue for a masterclass
given by Chris Houlding and Don Lucas. Members of the Coldstream
Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards and Welsh Guards were
treated to a joint recital by Chris and Don and afterwards
were able to take part in an informal question and answer
session. We would like to thank Ian Mitchell, Bandmaster
of the Irish Guards and trombonist Steve Botting for organising
this event.
Chris & Don with Ian Mitchell, Bandmaster Irish Guards and Steve Botting
Posted December 14, 2006
Generation III Has Arrived!
The Generation III Trumpet has
arrived at Edwards UK. These trumpets combine aspects of the
Gen 2 and Gen X lines, giving players more choices in which
to perfect their sound.
Posted May 20, 2005
Christopher Thomas to Play
Steadman-Allen Classic
Trombone Virtuoso Christopher
Thomas will play Ray Steadman-Allen's Immortal Theme in
this years Gala Concert following the All England Masters International
Brass Band Championships on Sunday 29th May.
Christopher will appear in Buy As You View Band's first half
performance of the Gala concert which will also feature the
Foden (Richardson) Band in the second half.
Chris rejoined the Buy As You View Band in 2000 and has been
a huge part of the Band's success. Dr Robert Childs is delighted
to be working on Immortal Theme with Chris. He said, 'Chris
is a consummate professional I recently worked with him on
the Gareth Wood Concerto in Canada and he played superb as
always, I regard him as simply the best!'
Christopher was British Open Solo Champion twice and has represented
UK banding twice in the 'International Brass Musician of the
Year' contest in New Zealand, with one win and one runner-up
spot.
He is trombone tutor to the National Youth Brass Band of Wales
and has performed as Soloist with them on a number of occasions,
the most recent of which was in July, where he was featured
in Alun Hoddinott's Concerto Grosso.
Posted March 31, 2005
Edwards UK Education
In June 2004, EdwardsUK began began a new educational arm designed
to help educational organisations promote the trombone and
trumpet.
Peter Lacey, freelance trombonist, Leader of Instrumental
Development for South Derbyshire, and Director of Music at
the South Derbyshire Music Centre, has accepted our invitation
to become the Education Consultant for Edwards UK. He will
coordinate projects with establishments throughout the British
Isles. Peter will be liasing with music staff to help design
a unique event, increase attendance and organise appropriate
Edwards artists for the day.
If you would like to contact Peter regarding projects in
your area, please email info@thevalve.com.
Posted December 8, 2004
Travel News
Edwards UK @ theValve is now even more accessible.
Customers in Scotland, Ireland, Jersey and Manchester can now
fly directly to Kent International Airport from as little as £14.00.
With flight times of less than an hour, customers from all
areas of the UK can now visit Edwards in one day. Visit www.eujet.com/EN for
more information on booking flights.
Posted November 23, 2004
EdwardsUK
Welcomes Buy as You View
We are happy to announce that Chris Thomas and the Buy as You
View Band trombone section have accepted an invitation to become
EdwardsUK artists.
Buy as You View is the current Champion Band of Wales and
was National Champion of Great Britain in '74, '82, '83, '94
and 2000 and Open Champion in 2000 and 2002. Recently, the
group earned the number one spot in the Brass Band World Computer
Rankings. Visit
the Buy as You View website for more information and to
listen to the band.
Read more about the section
and their visit to theValve at EdwardsUK.
Posted October 13, 2004
Swynnerton Brass Course 2004
Over the last 4 years trombonist and British trombone Society
representative Peter Lacey has held a trombone and trumpet
course in the picturesque village of Swynnerton, Staffs.
With 25 trumpet players and 35 trombonists in attendance,
the residential course aims to give players of all ages and
standards the opportunity to study with some of the UK's
top brass instrumentalists. More ››
Posted September 1, 2004
David Holt Visits Elkhorn,
USA
It was 15:15 when British Airways Flight 298 touched down at
Chicago O'Hare after an 8-hour flight from London Heathrow.
Christan Griego met me in baggage claim and we travelled northwest
to Elkhorn, Wisconsin, the home of the Edwards Instrument Co.
I was in the US by invitation of Christan Griego and the Edwards
instrument Co. to look at developments and learn more about
the manufacturing processes of the instruments. Whilst at the
factory I was also going to take a closer look at the personal
service they offer customers that visit the Edwards Pro Stop. More ››
Posted August 4, 2004
Neil Thompson Visits Edwards
UK
Bass trombonist Neil Thompson took advantage of a rare window
in his busy schedule to visit Edwards UK@the Valve to replace
his trusty old B454 valve section. Whilst at theValve Neil
tried out several valve sets and worked on several different
custom leadpipes with David.
Neil has played Edwards trombones for many years now and
was one of the first UK players to try the trombones. After
several hours trying different valve sections Neil left with
a suitable replacement and will be returning in the near future
to test some further components, audition leadpipes, and have
some refurbishment work carried out on his on his slide.
Posted July 28, 2004
David Vines Visits Edwards
UK
David Vines, one of the UK's busiest freelance bass trombonists,
visited Edwards UK@theValve earlier this month to test some
Edwards bass trombones. After exploring several options, Dave
left with a B454 that he then played for several weeks in different
orchestras, shows and recordings. He decided that the combination
that worked best for him as a freelance player was the standard
braced B454 with a B-DBN slide, a single radius yellow tuning
slide with a 1081CF bell, and B2 silver leadpipe.
Dave will be visiting Edwards UK@theValve in the near future
to work on some custom leadpipes with David.
Posted July 28, 2004
Production Videos Added
Many people have contacted us inquiring about factory tours.
For those of you that can't make it to Elkhorn, we are pleased
to offer the next best thing. We have just placed the first
of many production videos in
our Resources area. These videos will provide insight into
how Edwards Instruments are made, all from the comfort of
your home.
We will be releasing these videos over a period of many months.
Each clip will have two versions - broadband and dialup. File
sizes are quite large in order to allow users to see details
clearly.
Posted June 14, 2004
Leonard Candelaria Visits
the UK
Edwards Trumpet Artist Leonard
Candalaria recently visited the UK. Invited by James Watson,
Head of Brass at the Royal Academy of Music, and Edwards UK,
Leonard spent his time playing recitals and sharing his wealth
of knowledge with trumpet students in London. More ››
James Watson and Leonard Candelaria
Posted May 5, 2004
Mahler 3 Performance is
an All-Edwards Affair
For the first time in the UK, Mahler's Third Symphony has
been performed with four Edwards trombones.
With Lindsay Shilling at the helm of the London Philharmonic
trombone section, the Orchestra gave a brilliant performance
of the piece. As is usual at these rare performances, the London
trombone world attended in droves to hear Lindsay and the rest
of section. He played with control, musicality and produced
a spine tingling sound throughout the whole work.
Joined by Brian Raby, David Stewart and, on this occasion,
Roger Argente, principal bass trombonist of the Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra, the four performed superbly. They proved that there
is nothing quite like an entire section of Edwards trombones
played by some of the top players in the world.
Edwards UK Caters to British
and European Brass Musicians
With the launch of Edwards UK, the Edwards Instrument Co. is
further dedicating itself to brass players the world over.
The brass packages on this site better reflect the needs of
the European brass musician.
Using the latest web design technologies, Edwards UK loads
faster by using streamlined code. Older browsers will be able
to view all content; however, this site is best viewed in those
browsers that support W3C standards. For more information,
please visit site tools.
Lord of the Rings Features
the King of Trombones
Recording has started on the latest Lord of the Rings soundtrack. Return
of the King is the third and final installment of the
movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy. Howard Shore's score
will be performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Over the last six months David has been working closely with
Lindsay Shilling - principal trombonist with the LPO. After
trying several T350 combinations Lindsay has settled on a model
that meets his high expectations. He now joins Brian Raby and
David Stewart as Edwards artists. The London Philharmonic Orchestra
trombone section will be playing Edwards trombones exclusively
on the score.
Shore won the Academy Award for Best Original Score for his
work on Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
