Bryan English
Collage
A jazzy compilation of modern music. Featuring such international performers as Stockton Helbing (Maynard Ferguson's former Music Director), Billy English (Willie Nelson's drummer), Mark Houghton (Fort Worth Symphony) and the list goes on.
It’s not always easy to categorize music into a definite style, especially when it contains characteristics from several different genres. "Collage" is entirely based on blurring the boundaries between musical styles, making every piece an authentic blend of creative elements. On this cd, traditionally “classical” ensembles appear in jazz, Latin and ‘film score’ sounding music, and jazz groups are found performing in post-modern and classical genres. The music itself challenges traditional stereotypes, especially “Milanthian,” with it’s intriguing Neo-Classical/21st-Century setting for trombone, alto sax, and rhythm section. Standard classical pieces have also been re-created in jazz settings. Epitomizing the spirit of this crossover album is Christopher Brubeck’s “Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra.” Son of jazz legend Dave Brubeck, Chris is an internationally-acclaimed composer who specializes in bridging the gap between classical and jazz styles.
All selections on this cd were written by living composers, and most of them helped produce the recording of their own piece. We hope you enjoy "Collage"!
Bryan English holds degrees in trombone performance and conducting from the University of North Texas, where he received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree. He serves as Director of Instrumental Studies at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas where he teaches trombone, jazz arranging, and directs the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. His performing credits include the Willie Nelson and George Strait bands, Tim Ries of the Rolling Stones, New York City jazz performers Dick Oatts and Maria Schneider, Steve Wiest, Clay Jenkins, the North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band, the Dallas Wind Symphony, the Texas Wind Symphony, the San Angelo Symphony, and the Fort Worth Symphony. He also composes music for short films and the award-winning website [www.howitshouldhaveended.com].
Classical: Brass quintet