An audience comprised of people of all ages gathered to hear “A Stan Kenton Christmas” presented by the Boston Brass Quintet and the Brass All-Stars Big Band on Sunday, December 2 at Plymouth State University.
The evening started out with a familiar favorite, ” Joy to the World,” which consisted of soaring horn lines and lush melodies between the trombones and the trumpets.
The entirety of the concert contained several familiar tunes, some of which are not heard often during the holiday season. The Boston Brass quintet played a piece called ” Jingle Bells Forever” which they said was a cross between a Sousa march and “Jingle Bells.” The performance contained a nice combination of upbeat songs and slower pieces.
One of the musical highlights of the show was a rock-like version of “O’ Come All Ye Faithful” which featured solos by pianist David Cutler and trumpeter Jens Lindemann.
The diversity included in the performance was especially notable for the audience. Not only did the Brass Big Band play wonderful music but they shared memories, jokes and anecdotes from their childhood holidays.
The Boston Brass closed the concert with a vocal rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” sung by the Boston Brass quintet. There was no doubt that the Brass Band left everyone wanting more and it definitely put all of us in the holiday spirit with feet tapping and hands clapping throughout the entire performance.
“It was one of my favorite performances of the semester,” said fifth year Music Education Major, Tracey Gousie. “It really put me in the holiday spirit. I can’t wait to see them again.”
Josh Fields, a first-year Music Education Major said, “It was one of my favorite brass ensembles. I am excited that Plymouth had them come here. They definitely put on a good show, as they always do.”