Brett Baker enjoys busy USA solo tour

Rath Artist Brett Baker has been racking up the miles, recently, during a packed solo tour of the USA.

Brett, principal trombonist of The Cory Band, faced a frustrating start to the trip following travel delays which led to him missing a rehearsal with Dublin City Brass, spending time with friend Keith Wilkinson.

He then flew to Chicago, where he recorded a new solo album with the Chicago Staff Band of the Salvation Army.

Brett also led a rehearsal at the Noridge Corp Salvation Army Band, and helped composer Andrew Wainwright with playing though some new publications for BrookWright Music.

The trip continued with a flight to Detroit, Michigan, where Brett was part of a workshop and rehearsal with Motor City Academy with Bona Opatich, ahead of the Northern American Brass Band Championships.

He also provided feedback to Motor City Brass Band for its NABBA and Dublin Festival performances with conductor Gordon Ward.

Brett worked with Five Lakes Metro Band and its conductor, Mike Bake, and critiqued Five Lakes' performance in an open rehearsal for NABBA with Chris Ward. In between times, there was even an opportunity for a visit to Detroit Zoo.

Brett then flew to Newark and had a rehearsal with Imperial Brass ready for a concert on Saturday. On Friday he rehearsed the trombone choir of local school kids and a rehearsal for the Saturday afternoon recital. The concert saw Brett feature as soloist and guest conductor with Imperial Brass band, and a trombone choir, all led by Rob Waiksnoris.