Brett Baker to release new contemporary album

Rath Artist and Cory Band principal trombonist, Brett Baker, is to release an exciting new solo CD this autumn, which sees him reunite with Paul Holland and the Flowers Band.

The first solo recording with Flowers Band took place back in 1998 when Brett was chairperson of the band, with the latest album marking the sixth such project with the band over a quarter of a century.

Looking ahead to the album's release, Brett commented: "The Flowers Band continues to improve year after year and never shies away from difficult repertoire. I am very excited to release this CD, which is a nod to many of my musical heroes over the past couple of decades.

"The band is such a delight to work with, always being very much on top of some of the most challenging pieces available for trombone and brass band."

The CD is called The Heroic Trombone and pays tribute to the likes of Denis Wick (famous for his performances of the Gordon Jacob Concerto, who sadly passed away before he could get to hear the CD); Rob Wiffin, Ray Steadman-Allen, Don Lusher, Leo Zimmerman, Urbie Green, Mark Freeh, Frederich Belke, Christian Lindberg all very fine trombone players who composed pieces for the instrument.

Two people who have also made a huge impression on Brett include Howard Snell and David King; David has a piece composed and dedicated to him by Australian composer and trombonist, Brenton Broadstock.

Brett continued: "I expected this to be my most challenging project yet, but the Flowers Band made the weekend really easy. We had very few takes over the whole weekend and the band sounded stunning on every take.

"Around 80 minutes of music were put down in record time, finishing early on the Sunday afternoon. I think one of my favourite tracks of all time is Lindberg's Mandrake in the Corner. The band just sounds electric on this piece.

"I would like to acknowledge Paul's impressive direction but also the work of the office staff such as engineer Phil Hardman; producer and my eyes and ears Kevin Lea; and the fabulous team at World of Sound for their input with this project."

The CD boasts four premiere recordings: Heroic Etude by Rob Wiffin; Autumn Dreams by Leo Zimmerman in a brass band arrangement by Keith Wilkinson; Concertino by Belke transcribed for brass band by Ian Jones; and the very powerful original composition KING! by Brenton Broadstock.  

The CD will be available from October 2025.