One of her most perfectly executed musical pieces Paganini Caprice No. 24 written by Niccolò Paganini (1802-1817)
There are many great Trumpeters for us to select to cover. But the one Trumpeter that stands out to us the most is Alison Balsom. Hailing from the United Kingdom this 44 year old trumpet prodigy boost a spectacular array of power, precision, control and even more particularly articulation anytime she puckers her embouchure behind the Trumpet. It doesn't matter if it's a B-Flat, C-Sharp, or D-Trumpet. From Piccolo’s to Rotary Valved Trumpets to the Flugelhorn to the Baroque Trumpet; it doesn't matter; Mrs. Balsom will never fail to impress. Having the opportunity to listen to her fluidly and her passionately switching between the most difficult of registers at a moment's notice is nothing short but ear candy.
Be sure to purchase a copy of her newest album entitled: "Quiet City" here.
What stood out about Mrs. Balsom was that she was able to provide education for the youngest of the next generation when it comes to the Trumpet playing and mastery. The mark of a Master Educator is being able to diagnose and prescribe on the spot solutions to those under their tutelage - and she executed that skill exceptionally well. The musical sounds that are produced by Mrs. Balsom are angelic and exquisitely smooth as they are pristine yet classical in nature, note, and tone. We just can't say enough about her as a musical prodigy as she is an inspiration to all Trumpeters from beginners to masters alike.
Mrs. Alison Balsom in session
There were several musical pieces from her past work that she executed so keenly that they must be mentioned here. The first musical selection that must be mentioned is “Paganini Capri No. 24” which came from her album entitled: “Caprice”. As all sections of this piece were flawlessly played with no breaks it is something to marvel at - even if you're not musically inclined. The second selection that you should take the time out to listen to is her behind the Flugelhorn playing “Autumn Leaves” (Les Feuilles Mortes)” while she was live in concert in London which was famously played by one Miles Davis. A very passionate piece that was so eloquently executed that it will bring tears of appreciation to your eyes if you're into Flugelhorns. Lastly, you absolutely must consider Mrs. Balsom execution of “Vivaldi: Violin Concerto in A Minor”. Bolstering a big, bright but ultra refined sound on a Rotary Valve Trumpet that espouses years of discipline and tedious technical development, Mrs. Balsom simply - “slays”.
Mrs. Alison Balsom in session
Mrs. Balsom has worked on the best of Hollywood scores here in America and films abroad. Her experience and technical expertise qualify her to be prime consultant for such. During her online interviews she appears to be soft spoken, and her graceful femininity is nothing short of a compliment to that fact. In her newest album which was released during August 2022 entitled: “Quiet City” she offers a little something different for her fans and newcomers alike and that is the extensive use of muted Trumpet pieces; hence the title of the album “Quiet City”. For the making of her 12th studio album, she stated from her website:
“This album has been an utter joy to make. The concept of this project began decades ago, when I decided that Copland's quiet city was a work that everyone needed to hear – especially so as Copland reveals the scene so brilliantly via the solo trumpet and cor. There is a true melancholy in this work that only a certain type of trumpet playing can achieve, and across the collection on the album I've tried to show that through the unique lens of the trumpet, the wonderful bridge and mutual respect between the classical composers and arrangers, and the jazz greats can be seen. For many of us, the sentiment behind quiet city is pertinent at the moment, as we emerge from the loneliness of the pandemic and into another chapter of darkness in today’s turbulent world.”
The ultra-talented and beautiful Mrs. Alison Balsom
This statement can most definitely be found on her new album entitled: "Quiet City" on a song entitled: “Rhapsody in Blue”. You’ll recognize it when you hear it. We strongly urge you to get not only her newest album, but all of her previous albums because her sound has the ability to help you decompress and relax in a world that is oversaturated with low value Trap Music.
Commenti