Probably the most difficult of all instruments to master belong to the Brass Family.

   They usually have only three buttons (valves) to press, and in the trombone’s case, none at all, just that excruciatingly difficult slide mechanism to help manipulate and modify a strange, and equally elusive buzzing of the lips. (Raspberry)

   Brass instruments can often be the most difficult to listen to also.

   We’ve all been there, trapped on a street corner just before Christmas and singing carols to the enthusiastic accompaniment of the amateur brass band. God bless ‘em.

   It was with this in mind that I cautiously accepted an invitation to hear ‘Shrewd Brass’ in a concert organised by the Snowy Monaro Arts Council last Saturday night in Cooma.

   ‘Shrewd Brass’ is comprised of 2 trumpets, a French horn, trombone and a tuba.

   All the players hail from Melbourne and are mostly full time professional musicians.

The very 'Shrewd Brass' comprising Katy Addis and Greg Spence (Trumpets), Rosie Savage (French Horn), Tom Ryan (Trombone) and Martin Macaulay (Tuba).

  The program, although there wasn’t an actual printed program, was considerably varied and included: jazz, serious classical, popular show tunes and just downright full on fun music especially arranged to suit this unique combination of instruments.

  
Each of the players took turns at introducing the pieces with entertaining anecdotes and snippets of interesting information.

   It was a kind of ‘brass-unplugged’ concert with not a single annoying microphone in sight.

   What a relief no - messing with the sound.

   The acoustics in Saint Paul’s Hall provided an added bonus too.

  They instantly communicated with the audience by entering from the back and at one point had a delighted little girl from the audience up to ‘help out’ with the conducting.

   The energy and enthusiasm they exuded was spontaneous and built as the night progressed.

   It has to be said that the playing was impeccable.

   The group blended perfectly.

   Sometimes four backed up the soloist.

   There were duets too and a smattering of duelling trumpets in a kind of ‘anything you can do, I can do better’ vein.

   At times the music was soft and lyrical. Yes, I can hear you asking: What brass? and at other times powerful and strident.

   I didn’t want them to stop. But all good things do unfortunately have to end sometime.  

See past ART ZONES by visiting www.pauldion.com