Reviews for "Off the
beaten tracks":
"Kevin steps
out from his post as principal trombonist with the
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to display both his
virtuosity with the instrument and his skill as a
writer and arranger. Delightful tones sing out in
Told You So and this is swiftly followed by the
mournful and plaintive Song which highlights this
consummate musician's ability with contrasting
moods. Magisterial."
MU Magazine Spring
2007
"Kevin
Morgan's first solo CD is a 12 track offering of
beautiful melodies characterised by impeccable
trombone playing - a beautiful, round warm tone
coupled with flawless tuning and articulation.
Kevin, principal trombone at the Bournemouth SO,
has composed nine of the tracks himself, two are
composed by Dan Jenkins and there is one collective
arrangement with Jenkins and flautist Karen Evans.
The style is generally light blending jazz and
popular styles with folk influences, and the CD
production quality is clean and direct. Backing
tracks and sheet music for can be obtained for the
entire programme through Kevin's website.
My only criticism is that, in spite of the high
quality of playing and the attractive material, I
find the album a little lacking in contrast:
everything is very beautiful and there are no
"sharp edges", but perhaps one needs a little rough
to go with the smooth. This is partly to do with
the rhythm section element, which is definitely
restricted to "accompaniment" as opposed to being a
vibrant or driving force in its own right. Not
surprisingly then, my personal favourite tracks are
the gorgeous trombone ensemble arrangements of
Scarborough Fair, Greensleeves, and the Wexford
Carol, because in these the beauty of the trombone
simply speaks for itself. This is a most welcome
debut recording by one of the UK's finest
trombonists, and well worth adding to your
collection"
John Kenny
BTS Magazine Spring 2007
“As the
title suggests, this is a different kind of
trombone album. The tracks are all original
compositions, apart from three traditional folk
songs, and the general "feel" is mellow yet
refreshing. A combination of thoughtful writing,
rich arrangements and superb trombone playing, this
is a sort of Mike-Oldfield-meets-Carlos-Santana of
the trombone world! Highlights, for me, included
the crossed rhythms and harmonies in "Stolen
Moment"; a wonderfully 'blurred' arrangement of
Greensleeves, and the final track, "Closing
Circle", which is a smoky-club, slow rock number.
There are touches of humour here too, amongst the
silky light jazz. A gentle but vital addition to
any collection of trombone music. The album can
also be played along to, as the backing tracks are
available at www.trombonemusic.co.uk. A lovely
listen.”
Order
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