Along with soprano Lisa Ponten and pianist Kevin Johnson, acclaimed Seattle trumpeter Brian Chin explores five new works for trumpet as he introduces his Universal Language Project - a collaboration of modern composers striving to create music that can transend cultures and differences. An international soloist and advocate for new music, Brian Chin has commissioned and premiered many new works around the globe. He was a co-founder of the early music ensemble, the Seattle Trumpet Consort.


TRACK LISTING:

1. Poesia Robert Kechley 7:19

Universal Language Jason Berg
Based on the poems of Daisaku Ikeda, Music of the Cosmos
2. Fanfare 2:28
3. Stars 2:29
4. Light 3:06
5. Lullaby (Interlude) 3:06
6. Flowers 4:38
7. Fragrance 3:47

Fractured Trance Edward Castro
8. Distant 2:42
9. Story 3:13
10. Action 3:23

11. Tracks Jason Berg 6:35

12 Sonata for Trumpet and Piano Daniel Bukvich 13:35

MUSICIANS:

BRIAN CHIN trumpet
LISA PONTÉN soprano
KEVIN JOHNSON piano

PRODUCTION:

Produced by Chad McCullough & Brian Chin
Recorded and Mixed by Ron Haight at First Free
Methodist Church, Seattle, WA in August, 2009
Mastered by John McCaig at panicStudios
Photography by Tom Owen
Cover design by John Bishop

Reviews
By Daniel R. Coombs
Amazon.com
****
The new CD, "Universal Language" by trumpeter, Brian Chin, makes a welcome addition to the classical trumpet repertory. Mr, Chin, a symphony professional in the Seattle area is clearly a gifted musician with a nice, rounded tone, excellent technique and a commitment to new literature. In fact, the program, here, is the real surprise and a prime reason to check this out! "Poesia" by Robert Kechley is very pretty, rather impressionistic but with some jazz influence. Jason Berg's "Universal Language" (from which the disc is titled..) is a interesting combination for trumpet, soprano and piano and is based on poetry by the the Japanese writer, Daisaku Ikeda. The trumpet writing in particular is very attention getting, owing a little to Hindemith. Soprano Lisa Cardwell Ponten handles the texts well (and a pretty large tessitura) with clear diction and a feel for the emotions. The "Flowers" is particularly noteworthy, especially the muted trumpet end and some ostinato in the piano! Edward Castro's "Fractured Trance" is a very interesting piece as well, potentially the album's highlight - sort of a blues mode and very attractive. The "Tracks" by Berg is also a very good vehicle for Chin and his pianist, Kevin Johnson, to show off a bit with its own jazz feel. All in all, this piece makes a stronger impression than "Universal Language" However, the "Sonata" for trumpet and piano by Daniel Bukvich is certainly a welcome addition to the sonata rep for trumpeters. Written in one long movement, it requires ample technique and is written in a very declamatory style with a warm, "folksy" middle section that is reminiscent of Copland's "Quiet City" All the performances here is top notch, especially Mr. Chin and the studio recording is of good quality (although there are some balance issues in the "Universal Language" between soprano and trumpet in places) This is an interesting, well played program and a disc worth having for trumpet players or contemporary music enthusiasts looking for something a bit different!


Audiophile Audition
By Daniel Coombs
***1/2
The new CD, Universal Language by trumpeter Brian Chin, makes a welcome addition to the classical trumpet repertory. Mr, Chin, a symphony professional in the Seattle area is clearly a gifted musician with a nice rounded tone, excellent technique and a commitment to new literature. In fact, the program here is the real surprise and a prime reason to check this out! "Poesia" by Robert Kechley is very pretty, rather impressionistic but with some jazz influence. Jason Berg's "Universal Languag" (from which the disc is titled..) is a interesting combination for trumpet, soprano and piano, and is based on poetry by the Japanese writer, Daisaku Ikeda. The trumpet writing in particular is very attention-getting, owing a little to Hindemith. Soprano Lisa Cardwell Ponten handles the texts well (and a pretty large tessitura) with clear diction and a feel for the emotions. The "Flowers" is particularly noteworthy, especially the muted trumpet end and some ostinato in the piano.

Edward Castro's "Fractured Trance" is a very interesting piece as well, potentially the album's highlight - sort of a blues mode and very attractive. "Tracks" by Berg is also a very good vehicle for Chin and his pianist, Kevin Johnson, to show off a bit with its own jazz feel. All in all, this piece makes a stronger impression than "Universal Language."

The real gift in this set, however, is the "Sonata for trumpet and piano” by Daniel Bukvich, certainly a welcome addition to the sonata rep for trumpeters. Written in one long movement, it requires ample technique and is written in a very declamatory style with a warm, folksy middle section that is reminiscent of Copland's "Quiet City" All the performances here is top notch, especially Mr. Chin and the studio recording is of good quality (although there are some balance issues in the "Universal Language" between soprano and trumpet in places). This is an interesting, well-played program and a disc worth having for trumpet players or contemporary music enthusiasts looking for something a bit different!