The triple award-winning release from the Principal Trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra is a stunning exhibition of musical artistry.

Inspired by the iconic 1997 CD ‘Carnaval’ recording by Wynton Marsalis (who provides a perceptive, warm hearted introduction) this is more than mere homage - much, much more in fact: It is hard to understate its sheer brilliance.

Perfect vehicles

The dozen tracks are perfect vehicles for Cobb’s intuitive talent; each delivered with a nuanced appreciation of style to compliment the flawless technique - even at the extremes. He is also a wonderfully tactile performer; blessed with a chameleon-like ability to colour, shade and texture his cornet tone with the deftest of touches. 

The luxuriant flugel playing is a particular joy - captivating in its refinement (especially on ‘A Spring Lullaby’), whilst his louche timbre on the famous Harry James ‘Concerto’ (the only trumpet track on the CD) would put a glint in the eye of any modern day Betty Grable.

Deft

This is what stands out - from the bravura to the bucolic, the sizzling to the simple. The articulation is a servant to his phrasing; deftly caressed or cut-throat razor sharp. Nothing is misplaced or overstated - pace and volume judged to clearly focused perfection. 

‘Napoli’ could be Marsalis in all but name (the opening cadenza in particular); ‘Whirlwind’ a study in controlled tempestuousness, and the classics of Clarke, Levy, Hohne and Heifetz revived by the crisp freshness of craftsmanship. ‘Trumpet Lullaby’ and ‘Song to the Moon’ are reflective moments of subtle lyricism.

Sumptuous

The accompaniment of the Central Band of the RAF is excellent - adding a palette colour and texture that works so well, whilst Sam Walton provides a suave counterpoint to the sumptuous flugel lead on ‘Springtime can really hang you up the most’.  

As Wynton Marsalis says in his introduction: “His playing elevates our instrument, and elevates us.” 

He is absolutely right.

Iwan Fox

Available from: http://www.worldofbrass.com

1. Slavische Fantasy (Hohne arr. D. Marshall)
2. The Debutante (Herbert L. Clarke)
3. A Trumpeter’s Lullaby (Anderson arr. Philip J. Lang)
4. Grand Russian Fantasia (Levy arr. Hans Nel)
5. Hora Staccato (Heifetz arr. Martindale)
6. A Spring Lullaby (Andrew Pearce)
7. Napoli (Bellstedt arr. Donald Hunsberger)
8. Song to the Moon (Dvorak arr. Rodney Newton)
9. Whirlwind (Peter Graham)
10. Concerto for Trumpet (James arr. A. L. Phillips)
11. Springtime can really hang you up the most (Wolf & Landersmann arr. Martin Winter)
12. The Bride of the Waves (Herbert L. Clarke)