FOREWORD FROM JOE oseph Cook is a leading figure in t is always an honour to be asked J the worldwide brass community and I to conduct on a solo CD, especially t’s been 9 years since the release holds the greatest respect with his when the soloist is Eb tuba ace Joe I of my first solo album Debut with peers as one of the finest tuba players of his Cook. Another expat, making new roots in Black Dyke Band in 2008. Debut 2 generation. Norway, it seems that a strong bond between is a chance for me to share some new pieces, Joe and Manger Musikklag has already been lesser known gems and other pieces that I I have known Joseph for over 20 years, formed. have enjoyed playing over the years from the initially as an emerging talent at the National solo tuba repertoire. Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and We had a Friday evening and a Saturday latterly as the finest Eb tuba soloist I have ever morning to put down the material with band. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some great conducted at Black Dyke. Newly written commissions, arrangements young composers willing to write for the of old pop standards and the extremely tuba, which I’m pleased to present on this Joseph has enjoyed phenomenal success on challenging Derek Bourgeois Tuba Concerto album, as well as an unrecorded piece by a the contest platform including winning the made up the repertoire. Manger Musikklag prolific giant of brass band composition. British Open, National and European titles, supported Joe fantastically throughout performing in many of the world’s greatest the session and Joe himself demonstrated There are many great tuba players showing festivals, including at the BBC Proms, and why he is considered one of the best in the the tuba in such a positive light, showcasing has literally toured the world performing in movement. Flexible, versatile and always in their talents, persuading composers to write some of the greatest concert halls (including control. new music, and even writing their own the Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House music, for the instrument they love. This is and KKL Lucerne). my little contribution. I hope you enjoy! WE HAD FUN MAKING THIS Having had the pleasure of conducting Joseph’s CD Debut, it is with great pleasure CD AND WE SINCERELY that I welcome the arrival of this latest solo HOPE YOU ENJOY LISTENING recording featuring many new compositions TO IT. allowing Joseph’s beautiful lyrical sound to sing through whilst showing the dexterity of his virtuoso tuba. Allan Withington Happy listening!

Professor Nicholas Childs JOE COOK BIOGRAPHY Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy for the On the Run as much in demand conductor and composer Best Soloist at the British Open Brass Band Fredrick Schjelderup (b. 1990) studied for brass bands. orn into a musical family in Championships. composition at the Grieg Academy at County Durham, Joseph started the University of Bergen. He has written As a composer, Roger had a rich and B playing tuba at the age of 12 with As a soloist, Joseph has worked as a guest extensively for brass bands of all levels and very varied output, and was particularly his local secondary school wind band. With artist with many groups, including playing the has had his music played by such bands as skilled writing for smaller ensembles. encouragement from his brass playing parents Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto with the Royal Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag and Manger These pieces were often used at the many and close family friends, he soon progressed Northern Sinfonia, Sunderland Symphony Musikklag. As an up and coming composer, quartet competitions around the country, on to the Boldon Colliery Brass Band and Orchestra, Black Dyke Band (Festival of his compositions are played throughout including the British Open Solo and Quartet within three years of playing had been Brass), the National Children’s Brass Band Europe by brass bands and his compositions Championships. One of those pieces is Suite accepted into the Ever Ready Brass Band and of Great Britain and as a featured soloist at include Black Holes and the hugely successful in Blue written for the tuba section of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. the European Brass Band Championships Festivitas. William Davis Construction Band in 1976. Joseph was member of the National Youth Gala Concert and National Brass Band The piece as described as “a quartet in three Brass Band for four years, being Principal Championships Gala Concert at the Royal On the Run was written especially for this shades” for two Eb and two Bb tubas, as Tuba for two years and winner of the Harry Albert Hall, London. In 2008 he released his album, for which the rationale was to compose found in standard brass band orchestration. Mortimer Solo Competition in 1997. He was first solo CDDebut to critical acclaim. Joseph something funky for tuba and brass band, and This recording also features on tuba Vegard also two time semi-finalist in the BBC Young has also commissioned many composers to Fredrick has done just that. The piece starts Aagaard-Nilsen, Sondre Johan Chesney Musician of the Year and the Shell London write for the tuba, including Professor Philip dark and menacing, before becoming more Kvamme and Kristian Grotle. Symphony Orchestra Scholarship. Wilby, Daniel Price and Sandy Smith. driving in style and finishing in the funky 6/8 groove. A real tour-de-force of a composition Nature Boy In 1999, Joseph moved to Leeds to study In 2015, Joseph relocated to Bergen, Norway, for brass band and tuba! Nature Boy was first recorded by Nat King Music and Electrical Engineering at the joining Manger Musikklag as Principal Tuba Cole in 1948, but it has since become a University of Leeds, studying tuba with Brian and is also starting to develop a conducting Suite in Blue jazz standard amongst stars such as Frank Kingsley of Opera North and conducting career, working with bands such as Haukås Roger Payne (1947-2015) was a highly Sinatra, Tony Bennett and even Lady Gaga. with Professor Philip Wilby. At this time he Musikklag (winning SIDDIS Division 2 in respected, colourful and much loved The song was originally written by Eden was also accepted into the world famous Black 2015 and 2016), Oster Brass, Fjell Brass and character in the classical musical community Ahbez, an American songwriter who was Dyke Band. Joseph spent 14 happy years at Tertnes Brass. He is also tuba tutor at the in the North of England. Born in Sussex, deeply influenced by the Californian hippie Black Dyke, from 1999 until 2013, winning International Brass Band Summer School he was member of the National Youth movement in the 1940s. Many instrumental two European, two British Open, four and Musical Director of the Fishburn Band. Brass Band of Great Britain and made his versions have been made of the song, British National, three English National and name as a very successful trumpet player including one by the James Last Orchestra. four Yorkshire Regional titles. He also toured Joseph plays exclusively on this recording on a with ensembles such as the London Festival extensively, to Australia, the USA, Canada, Geneva Symphony Eb Tuba. Ballet, London Philharmonic and Menuhin The extremely talented arranger in residence Bermuda, Switzerland, Norway, Austria Festival Orchestras. He later made Newcastle and horn player with Manger Musikklag, Tina and Sweden. In 2006 he was awarded the his home and was for 20 years the Principal Kvamme, made this arrangement for tuba Trumpet of the Northern Sinfonia and was and brass band for the band’s 2015 Siddis Entertainment Competition programme. a walk on the Millennium Bridge over the Michael Forbes (b. 1973) is an American tuba The piece is accessible in style to the listener Tina’s skills are in high demand, making calm and still river Tyne that runs between the player and composer. A founding member of and contains many quotes and musical nods arrangements of contemporary and classic cities of Newcastle and Gateshead.” These are Isthmus Brass and Sotto Voce tuba quartet, that fans of Bourgeois will be familiar with. pieces that work so effectively for brass band. the composer’s reflections, as the coloured Forbes is also a highly acclaimed soloist and The first movement, Andante Moderato starts in lights from Sage Gateshead on the left shine orchestral musician, and an active teacher a minor triplet meter, before continuing in Variations on a Hungarian Children Song down onto the River Tyne, with the view of and brass clinician. a more optimistic lyrical style. The soprano Variations on a Hungarian Children Song the market stalls on the Newcastle side on the cornet takes a strong role throughout, as originally existed as an improvised concert right, with Tyne Bridge in the background. Quiet Place a contrasting voice to the tuba, and the encore, but went down so well with audiences Quiet Place is a song written by and performed movement finishes with a cadenza. The that Szentpali decided to write it down. Its Simon Oliver (b. 1990) is a former by the 10 time Grammy winning a cappella second movement enjoys a recurring simple structure is something that everyone percussionist with the Black Dyke Band, a gospel music sextet Take 6. In 1988 they melancholic tune in different guises allowing can relate too. The theme is a traditional graduate of Salford University and a winner released their debut album, called Take 6, the tuba to sing. The final movement is a jovial Hungarian children’s song called Boci, boci of the 2012 Roy Newsome Conducting which helped them win two of their 10 steady march, reprising some material from tarka, translated to English as “spotted, Award. Now making his name as one of the Grammies, Quiet Place being one of the tracks the first movement, before finishing with a spotted, cow, cow”. United Kingdom’s most exciting and original from that album. Dr Gail Robertson skilfully “Fugal Cadenza”, in which the tuba tries to up and coming composers, he has received arranged the piece for trombone quintet, and intervene with unsynchronised snippets of Roland Szentpali (b. 1977) is an award winning commissions from many fine soloists and here we hear the same arrangement played by the various earlier themes to turn the piece Hungarian Tuba Virtuoso, a graduate of the ensembles and his music has been performed the two euphoniums (Johannes Forsberg and into something more “modern and atonal”. Liszt Ferenc Music Academy in Budapest and throughout the world. Kjetil Raknerud) and two baritones (Margie Principal Tuba with the Hungarian National Antrobus and Trine Villanger) of Manger Derek Bourgeois (b. 1941) needs little Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also an active The Grumpy Troll Musikklag, with the fifth part being played by introduction to brass band audiences. Dr composer, having written a wide range of The Grumpy Troll is an unaccompanied piece myself on tuba. Bourgeois studied composition with Herbert repertoire encompassing the tuba, chamber for solo tuba depicting the sounds, different Howells and conducting with Sir Adrian and orchestral music works. musings and actions of what a disturbed Tuba Concerto No. 2 Boult. His prolific output as a composer Norwegian Troll would be like, making use of This long awaited Tuba Concerto No. 2 by includes around 114 Symphonies, and his Lights on the Tyne techniques such as multiphonics, the extreme Derek Bourgeois, commission by tuba soloist contributions to the brass band repertoire Lights on the Tyne was composed in 2017 low register and the sound of a leaky open David Carter in 2014 celebrating the 50th include; two Concertos, Concerto Grosso, Blitz, especially for this album. The composition valve. The piece is split into four sections anniversary of the Forest Philharmonic The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and Apocalypse. came about following a discussion with the all based around the theme of rising and Orchestra and the soloist’s 25th anniversary composer, Simon Oliver, at the International falling minor thirds, showing the troll in with the orchestra. This comes after the first Brass Band Summer School about our shared four different moods. It starts with moody concerto was written for and performed by fondness of blues and ballads and musicians grunts, followed by angry dashing, then more the late great John Fletcher and the London such as Mark Knopfler and Chris Rea, expressive musings and finally the troll in Symphony Orchestra in 1973. leading to the idea of a ballad for tuba and pursuit of what disturbed it in the first place. brass band. “The piece takes inspiration from The Dancing King First performed by Dr Jerry Young at the International Tuba–Euphonium Conference 1990 in Sapporo, Japan, the title The Dancing King refers to King David of ancient Israel, who on recapture of the Ark of the Covenant from Israel’s enemies, “danced before the Lord with all his might” (II Samuel 6:14). It depicts the exhilaration described in the Old Testament scene as the warrior-poet leads his people in praise and thanksgiving. The piece is accompanied by a CD of tuned percussion instruments, piano and synthesized bass sounds to provide the rhythm and drive MANGER MUSIKKLAG throughout. anger Musikklag has a reputation as formed the basis of Manger Musikklag’s own Jesse Ayers (b. 1951) is an American award M one of the finest bands in Norway. annual festival for contemporary music, the winning composer. He has composed music Founded in 1922, the band consists BrassWind festival that was first held in 2004. for ballet and opera, and much of his of enthusiastic, dedicated and ambitious Each season the band has a very busy concert music explores the intersection between the players continuously striving to raise the schedule that embraces many genres and spiritual and natural worlds. musical standard of the band. Over the years venues. The band often hosts visits of highly Manger Musikklag has won the Norwegian accomplished conductors and soloists and has Championships eight times. The band has produced a number of recordings. also won the renowned entertainment contest Siddis Brass seven times, and was the first The band is committed to working with local ever winner of Oslo Brass Festival in 2016. school bands for further enhancement of the The band won the European Championships musical quality, recruitment and enthusiasm 2011, in Montreux, Switzerland, and is the for banding. Manger Musikklag’s engagement reigning World Champion at the World Music towards youth has also led to the band being Contest held in Kerkrade. appointed national ambassador for the organisation MOT, which works to promote Manger Musikklag has invested heavily in the development of strong young individuals new music for the brass band medium ever within a safe and natural environment. since the 1980s. This commitment has led to the vast repertoire of the band and has also llan Withington, a trumpet player with the Bergen Philharmonic ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A Orchestra, has been associated with many of the world’s leading brass Manger Musikklag, for their fantastic playing and friendship and for making me feel welcome bands. He has been professional conductor in my new home in Norway. for, among others, Brighouse & Rastrick, Grimethorpe Colliery, Manger Musikklag Allan Withington, for his artistic direction and guidance and Adam Goldsmith, for his and Stavanger Brass Band. He and professionalism and efficiency on the project. his bands have won titles in Australia, North America and numerous countries Geneva Group Musical Instruments, for their excellent instruments and support of this and of Europe, including seven National other projects. Championships of Great Britain with four different bands. A coveted ‘Double’ Fredrick Schjelderup and Simon Oliver, for their creative skills and imaginative writing for was the result of his work with the Foden’s tuba and brass band. Band in 2012 and together with Stavanger, won four Siddis Brass titles in a row from Dr Derek Bourgeois and Hafabra Music for providing the Tuba Concerto No. 2. 2012-2015. In 2013, this time, together with Manger Musikklag a first place at the To my family, for their love and continued support. World Championships in Kerkrade was secured and a National Championships of Norway title followed in 2014 together with Stavanger Brass Band. CREDITS He has conducted the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra on various occasions in his Executive Producer: Trevor Caffull own concert creations and has recently Producer and Engineer: Adam Goldsmith performed, in France, two musical Post-Production: Adam Goldsmith theatre productions composed, directed Production Manager: Nicki Tonge and produced by himself. Allan feels a Project Coordinator: Mari Malm Mørkved strong need to pass on his many years Programme Notes: Joe Cook of experience in many different musical Photography: Jillian Dixon settings and hosts ‘Allan Withington’s Artwork and Design: Mango Graphic Design ALLAN WITHINGTON Conductor Summer School’ every July in Recorded by World of Sound at Hordvik Musikkhus on 20-22 April 2017 Leeuwarden, Holland. TRACK LIST 1. ON THE RUN* © Fredrick Schjelderup Musikk // Fredrick Schjelderup WORLD PREMIÈRE RECORDING

2-4. SUITE IN BLUE © Just Music // Roger Payne Tuba Quartet Joseph Cook, Vegard Aagaard-Nilsen, Sondre Johan Chesney Kvamme and Kristian Grotle i. March Two Step | ii. Meander | iii. Danse Triste

5. NATURE BOY © Tina Kvamme Musikk // Ahbez arr. Tina Kvamme

6. VARIATIONS ON A HUNGARIAN CHILDREN SONG © Editions BIM // Roland Szentpali 7. LIGHTS ON THE TYNE* © Simon Oliver Music // Simon Oliver WORLD PREMIÈRE RECORDING

8. THE GRUMPY TROLL © Editions BIM // Mike Forbes

9. QUIET PLACE © GAR Music // Take 6 arr. Gail A. Robertson Low Brass Quintet Joseph Cook, Johannes Forsberg, Kjetil Raknerud, Margie Antrobus and Trine Villanger

10-12. TUBA CONCERTO NO. 2 © HAFABRA Music // Derek Bourgeois i. Andante Moderato | ii. Adagio | iii. Allegro WORLD PREMIÈRE RECORDING

13. THE DANCING KING © Tuba-Euphonium Press // Jessie Ayers *Commissioned by Joseph Cook for this recording