TAKE 1

Douglas Yeo

Review by Neil Thompson

Take 1Douglas Yeo's new solo recording features live performances given in concert in 1975-6 and 1997, hence the title Take 1. Douglas says: "Such a recording is not without risk - there will surely be those who will complain that it is not 'perfect', but my response is, 'what is perfect?' I've heard many 'note perfect ' performances that have left me unmoved; for me it has always been emotional content of the performance and the aural connection with the audience that is most important."

The CD is well-produced with the sound quality from the seventies recordings comparable to the nineties. There is also an informative booklet to accompany the CD, and complete programme notes can be found on the above website.

The first piece on the CD was recorded in 1975 at Wheaton College with the college concert band and is a fine performance of Rirnsky-Korsakov's Trombone Concerto. Considering that he is a bass trombone player, he takes many passages 'up the octave'.

The next two pieces, Tetra Ergon by Donald White, and Solace by Scott Joplin were both recorded at Douglas' senior recital on 19 April 1976. In these pieces he demonstrates talents other than playing the trombone. In Tetra Ergon, at the end of the third movement, Douglas can be heard singing the words of J. S. Bach's chorale Es ist genug, which Donald White quotes in his piece. In Solace he duets with Craig Wahlgren on marimba, and doubles on vibraphone himself!

The next segment of the CD was recorded at various stages in 1997 and all three pieces are premiere recordings. Profile, from David Fetter's Split Personality, was written about Douglas and "is intended to give abstract voice to Yeo's staunch religious convictions" (David Fetter).

The next two pieces stand out. Symphony No. 34 for bass trombone and strings by Alan Hovhaness is a real masterpiece, and here Douglas demonstrates why he is regarded so highly as a performer and soloist. Of Mountains, from Of Mountains, Lakes and Trees, for bass, tenor and alto trombones was written by one of Douglas' colleagues at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Norman Bolter. This is a powerful and evocative piece and Douglas' performance is nothing short of brilliant.

Having heard this CD several times now, I can honestly say it gets better each time. The playing is astounding, especially in the '90s recordings and I would find it difficult to complain about it not being 'perfect'. This is as near to perfect as you can get. If you want to hear how a bass trombone should sound, buy this CD. The man sounds great!

CD Info:
Available only through Douglas Yeo's website

More Articles

BTS Articles