by Percy Grainger/Tom Clark
Album Title: FIESTAS
Recording:University of North Texas Wind Ensemble
Conductor: Nicholas Enrico Williams
Soloists:John Holt-trumpet;Tony Baker -trombone; Mark Davidson-trombone; Carol Wilson-soprano; Mariachi Aguilas de UNT – mariachi ensemble
Publisher: MARK Masters 54632-MCD
A most impressive cast of featured performers join the UNT Wind Ensemble on this spectacular recording. Fandango (Joseph Turrin) opens the program with John Holt and Tony Baker as the instrumental dance partners. Red Sky (Anthony Barfield) is a probable musical representation of the Big Bang Theory with trombonist Mark Davidson providing the single point that the universe expanded from. The James Syler O Magnum Mysterium may be new to the listener only familiar with the popular Morten Lauridsen setting. The voice of Carol Wilson adorns this setting. The remainder of Fiestas consist of a pair of landmark band works; Fiesta Del Pacifico (Roger Nixon) and La Fiesta Mexicana (H. Owen Reed)… with a surprise midway through the last movement!! Country Gardens (Percy Aldridge Grainger/Tom Clark) could be considered the “bonus track” encore to this must have recording.
