Stereograms at The International Trombone Festival
2013 was a high watermark for Stereograms as three of these self-accompanied rhythmic etudes were performed in recital by James Markey at the International Trombone Festival held in Columbus, Georgia.
Markey, who currently serves as bass trombonist in the Boston Symphony Orchestra, created an ‘ad hoc’ suite of Stereograms comprised of: No. 6, (dedicated to Earth Wind & Fire’s Maurice White and Louis Satterfield); No. 19, (‘Blue Tom’ dedicated to Ellington great-Lawrence Brown); and No. 7, (dedicated to Bob Mintzer and Dave Taylor).
He writes, “I performed three of your Stereograms on my recital; 6, 19 & 7 were a pretty big hit. I received more than a few comments on how much people enjoyed them! I’m glad I put them on and I think that they’re well worth including in developing our repertoire-so much fun!
Stereograms on CD
Garth Simmons has recorded a solo CD entitled “American Visions”. According to Simmons, principal trombonist of the Toledo Symphony, each piece he selected for the recording was by an American composer with whom the he has personal contact. Simmons has graciously included a brilliant recording of Stereogram No. 12, entitled ‘Spain’, which is dedicated to famed Chicago Symphony trombonist Frank Crisafull, one of Simmons’ teachers.
Stereogram No. 12 (‘Spain) is an epic, unaccompanied work which contrasts the excitement of trumpet-like Spanish fanfares with gently pulsating arpeggios reminiscent of the classical guitar. As the guitar-like part progresses, it crescendos into an exciting climax which beckons the return of the rubato exposition.
Stereograms Premiered
Jonathan Warburton, British Bass Trombonist, has premiered two Stereogram treatments of traditional hymn-tunes: ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus (No. 37A), and ‘Amazing Grace’ (No. 34)-which is as of yet un-published and has been dedicated to Warburton.
Stereograms are published by the International Trombone Association Press and are available from Hickey’s Music and other fine retailers: