International Trumpet Guild Review (Oct 2006)
author: Paul Bhasin, International Trumpet Guild
Australia’s Seventh Chapter Ensemble uses the familiar brass quintet instrumentation to perform in a variety of contemporary styles including modern rock, funk and hip hop on this 2005 release. In the vein of the Meridian Arts Ensemble and Extension Ensemble, Seventh Chapter adds drum kit to the brass quintet, along with vocals, piano, vibraphone and even rap at times, to present an eclectic blend of the brass quintet sounds with modern rock sounds reminiscent of Frank Zappa’s music.
The chamber musicianship and brass playing of the ensemble is first-rate; the athletic tuba playing (offering complicated, acrobatic bass lines with ease) is particularly enjoyable. Along with solid trumpet teamwork and excellent intonation, each track is exciting and polished. Most works feature some sort of repeated hook in one of the brass parts, with layers of decorative, intense horn grooves added as the players improvise and interact with the drumkit.
The group’s strength is its rhythmic expressiveness; the urgent, forward quality to each track is contrasted by the relaxed tone production of each member. Becker’s Droned is a particularly well-executed number, with each instrument’s sonic possibilities mined fully and with low brass bass-style octaves reminding the listener that this is a brass quintet after all. Horn player/composer Thomas Green adds extended vocals and rapping to the title track, which is one of the highlights of the album with its complex instrumental accompaniments and tight rhythm playing from drummer Dave Kemp.
The high level of brass playing on this CD reminds the listener that this is no ordinary rock group, but, bridging styles and musical vocabulary to appeal to a wide audience. That said, the CD makes more of a studio rock/funk, rather than a classical chamber music impression. This is due to the liberal application of the drums, the effects processing of instruments, a limited use of dynamics, and somewhat icy, distant studio recording effects.
Read more...