Brooke Wharton Writer Got

When thinking of versatile instrumental setups, the brass quintet might not be the first thing that comes to mind. A grave oversight, according to Alias Brass Company, an all-American brass ensemble which aims to change any such preconceived notions with their vibrant renditions of highly diverse and inclusive music on PRISM from Big Round Records. The versatility in terms of style, mood, and genre is absolutely stunning, whether it’s a film soundtrack (Gabriel’s Oboe, Over the Rainbow), an obelisk of Baroque music (J.S. Bach’s Little Fugue in G Minor), a Christian hymn (Amazing Grace) or a blues standard (St. James Infirmary), the Alias Brass Company navigates the territory with mesmerizing panache. Audacious and bold!

Bass trombonist Jennifer Wharton might be considered by many as a unicorn in the world of music. In decades from the not-too-distant past, it was a rarity to even have a woman in prominent jazz bands and orchestras, but to have a bass trombone-slinging woman as leader was thought extraordinary. In efforts to highlight her perceived position as a rara avis, Wharton took it upon herself to not only raise the profile of women instrumentalists but also that of her chosen horn (and its smaller cousins).In 2019, Wharton presented her trombone-powered ensemble, Bonegasm, via its self-titled debut album (Sunnyside SSC-1529).

Brooke Miller is an artist who distills all of the these experiences to produce the album's uniquely inspired, character-rich compositions delivered with emotional warmth and melodic softness – but also with plenty of drive and energy.

Brooke Miller is an artist who distills all of the these experiences to produce the album's uniquely inspired, character-rich compositions delivered with emotional warmth and melodic softness – but also with plenty of drive and energy.