Dive into the enchanting world of Paris with Alison Balsom, as she presents a captivating collection of classical pieces that showcase her virtuosity on the trumpet. Released on September 8, 2014, via Warner Classics, this album is a testament to Balsom's lyrical prowess and her ability to breathe new life into both familiar and lesser-known compositions.
The album features a carefully curated selection of tracks, including arrangements by Balsom and Guy Barker that highlight the trumpet's expressive range. From the hauntingly beautiful "Gymnopédie No. 3" by Erik Satie to the evocative "Oblivion" by Astor Piazzolla, each piece is performed with exquisite sensitivity and technical brilliance. Balsom's rendition of "Les feuilles mortes" by Joseph Kosma and "Nuages" by Django Reinhardt adds a touch of French charm, while her interpretations of works by Michel Legrand, Olivier Messiaen, and Maurice Ravel demonstrate her versatility and depth as a musician.
Throughout the album, Balsom is accompanied by the Guy Barker Orchestra, whose rich and nuanced playing complements her trumpet beautifully. The result is a recording that is both intimate and expansive, offering a fresh perspective on these beloved works. Whether you're a longtime fan of Alison Balsom or a newcomer to her music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Satie: 3 Gymnopédies: No. 3, Lent et grave (Arr. Barker & Balsom for Trumpet and Orchestra)Erik Satie, Alison Balsom, Guy Barker, Guy Barker Orchestra
Piazzolla: Histoire du tango: II. Café 1930Astor Piazzolla, Alison Balsom, Miloš Karadagli?
Piazzolla: Oblivion (Arr. Barker & Balsom for Trumpet and Orchestra)Astor Piazzolla, Alison Balsom, Guy Barker, Guy Barker Orchestra
Legrand: La Valse des LilasEddie Barclay, Eddy Marnay, Michel Legrand, Alison Balsom, Guy Barker, Guy Barker Orchestra
Messiaen: Vingt regards sur l'enfant Jésus: (Le baiser de l'enfant Jésus): I. Très lent, calmeOlivier Messiaen, Alison Balsom, Guy Barker Orchestra, Tim Redmond
Messiaen: Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant Jésus: (Le Baiser de l'Enfant Jésus): II. ModéréOlivier Messiaen, Alison Balsom, Guy Barker Orchestra, Tim Redmond
Messiaen: Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant Jésus: (Le Baiser de l'Enfant Jésus): III. ModéréOlivier Messiaen, Alison Balsom, Guy Barker Orchestra, Tim Redmond
Ravel: Vocalise-étude en forme de habanera, M. 51 (Arr. for Trumpet and Orchestra)Maurice Ravel, Alison Balsom, Guy Barker, Guy Barker Orchestra
Ravel: Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: II. Adagio assai (Arr. for Trumpet and Orchestra)Maurice Ravel, Alison Balsom, Timothy Redmond, Guy Barker Orchestra
Satie / Arr. Barker & Balsom for Trumpet and Jazz Orchestra: 6 Gnossiennes: No. 3, LentErik Satie, Alison Balsom, Guy Barker, Guy Barker Orchestra
Kosma: Les feuilles mortesJoseph Kosma, Alison Balsom, Guy Barker, Guy Barker Orchestra
Reinhardt: NuagesDjango Reinhardt, Alison Balsom, Guy Barker, Guy Barker Orchestra