Donald Byrd Music

I heard a selection from this CD on a public radio station during a recent vacation to the Northeast US; loved the music and knew I had to own the CD. I have a large selection of Celtic music, smaller selection of Early music; this CD is a great combination of both genres.

I love the Emprire Brass! However, this is the worst of their CDs that I own (and that number stands at nine). The previous review faulting the mixing is right on. The percussion was obviously recorded elsewhere and in no way blends in with the ensemble. Several pieces are percussion with Empire Brass serving as the accompaniment. The mix sounds like it was done by a High School percussionist. I love brass, but this CD will see little play by me. Too many discs by Empire Brass and other artists that are worth listening to over this one.

The Empire Brass Quintet is one of the leading Brass ensembles in the world today, and this album showcases why. Their intonation, blending, sense of phrase, unity of sound, and beauty of tone is unparalleled. If you have any appreciation for Brass ensemble literature and/or Celtic music in general, this album weds the two in a superb example of tasteful musicianship.

I've owned this recording for years. My family and I absolutely love the lively renditions. Ignore the naysayers - sample this CD and you'll love it too!

The Empire Brass Quintet's arrangements for trumpets, French horn, trombone and tuba, are--if not exactly period--pleasingly creative, crossing cultural and temporal boundaries with natural ease. Adding zest to the recording is the outrageously lively and exotic percussion (both acoustic and electronic) of Kurt Wortman, as well as bagpipes, drums, vocals, violin, cello, recorder and guitar provided by a host of other guest artists. This music is not meant to be historically authentic, but just plain fun. And it is! I picked this up on impulse in a bookstore because of the whimsical cover art, and it turned out to be one of my favorite purchases in years. Give it a sampling and see for yourself!

The theme of this cd makes it fun to listen to, and the liner notes are as entertaining as any of the pieces. A lengthy timeline lists humorous events concerning royalty throughout history, which is actually pretty witty. Another good feature of the album is the amount of music it contains: 28 tracks (75'18) of good recordings, for the most part. All but a few of the ensembles and artists are top-notch, and the repertoire spans enough time that the listener won't get bored listening to baroque for too long.

Close your eyes while listening to this and you will think your in the Kings Court!

The selection of music is great. There are a couple of the cuts that are not the best recordings I have ever heard. But most were well worth the listening. And please don't let that comment I made scare you away from buying it. It is lively, fun, and the title explains it all. It is a mix of just what you would expect the word ROYALTY to invoke in a Classical Music compilation. I was expecting a gold gilded horse drawn carriage to appear in full suit waiting just outside the front door of my home. I love it.

I'm certainly no expert in this field of music. I came across it as it was used on an audio CD I have as music between chapters (Gunpowder Treason & Plot - find it on Amazon.co.uk) and managed to set the scene perfectly. Its also a Hyperion disc which means the sound is simply stunning. It stands out from budget classicla CD's a mile - it really is worth the exctra money. Put this music on as you go to sleep and as you wake up and you I guarantee you will have a good day!

Dom