Westwind Brass
San Diego, California, United States | INDIE | AFM
Music
Press
“SENSATIONAL! As a drummer, I am especially impressed with the great sense of time and jazz rhythmic feeling permeating the entire recording. A real accomplishment for the Westwind Brass! I have put it among my very favorite recordings and listen to it often.
JUST SENSATIONAL!” - Ed Shaughnessy, best known as being the drummer of the Tonight Show band for 29 years with Doc Severinsen, he has performed with George Shearing, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, Benny Goodman, and Horace Silver, as well as several symphony orchestras. Shaughnessy leads his own big band and has performed on over 500 recordings.
- Ed Shaughnessy
“These guys are not only great to listen to, but the good humor will keep your audiences laughing for a long time . . . sort of like Prairie Home Companion meets Lincoln Center” — Wesley O. Brustad, President & CEO, State Theatre of New Jersey
- Wesley O. Brustad
“Tight ensemble. Precise unisons. Highly polished.” — Los Angeles Times
- Ken Hermann
“Their intonation, dynamic control and musical integrity are matched only by their warm and convivial stage presence.” — Stockton Records
- Sherman Spencer
Westwind Brass is a very special group. Their playing is superb and further, their ability to communicate the joy they take in playing is remarkable. - Lindsey R. Nelson
We loved the Westwind Brass. You gave an engaging performance. - Holly Richard
I can't think of a better group to premiere my pieces for brass quintet than the dynamic "Westwind Brass". - Paquito D'Rivera, Grammy Award winning composer/woodwind artist, jazz legend, NEA Jazz Master 2005 - Paquito D'Rivera
“The idea of using a brass quintet to perform music of jazz masters is a unique accomplishment. The performances are all first class and the four pieces by Paquito D’ Rivera are an extra exciting bonus. This CD is a brilliant musical journey.” – Louie Bellson, one of the great drummers of all time and talented composer, he was featured with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and leading his own band on both Coasts. Ellington referred to him as “the world’s greatest musician”. - Louie Bellson
“The album "Jazztet" by the Westwind Brass is one of the finest brass quintet recordings, in the jazz vein, I've ever heard. The arrangements are first rate and the playing is as well. In addition to the fine ensemble playing and blend, the improvised solos are delivered with intelligence and an understanding of the genre. Kudos to this fine ensemble!” - Tim Morrison, Hollywood recording artist, former trumpet player with the Boston Symphony, Boston Pops and Empire Brass. - Tim Morrison
“I was quite pleasantly surprised listening to the “Jazztet” CD by Westwind Brass. The improvised solos are by real jazz players! I enjoyed the selection of tunes and the writing. Well done to you guys! - Bobby Shew, Hollywood recording artist and clinician, he has the rare dual ability of being able to play lead trumpet in big bands and star as a soloist in combos. He has performed with such artists as Woody Herman, Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich and many recordings with his own groups. - Bobby Shew
Discography
Westwind Brass has released eight CDs to excellent notice: Westwind Brass, Westwind Brass and Friends, Westwind Christmas, Americana, Music of the Californias, The Old Euro Standard, Jazztet and Westwind Brass Favorites.
http://www.eroica.com
Photos
Bio
Virtuosic ensemble performance, interesting music, unique stories, engaging interaction with the audience, and lots of chuckles make two hours of delightful fun for Westwind Brass audiences.
There is little in the musical lexicon that they cannot tackle and perform well. Their uniqueness lies in their ability to perform at a high level the entire spectrum of brass music.
Each concert offers a kaleidoscopic set of styles and composers . . . from rich Baroque sonorities of Handel and Bach to the music of other cultures to contemporary serious and pop music to the bluesy jazz of Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk. And no one stays seated when That's A Plenty encores!
Westwind Brass concerts are evenings of good music, audience involvement, filled with laughter, and some learning thrown in along the way. In addition to a varied and expanding concert schedule, Westwind Brass is dedicated to education, having developed programs and master classes for students of all ages.
The ensemble is in residence at San Diego State University and is on the touring roster of the California Arts Council. The group has received support from the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, County of San Diego Community Enhancement Program, and the California Arts Council.
Westwind Brass has captured prizes at two international brass competitions and tours regularly in the United States and internationally.
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