Something a little different today. As my son is learning the trumpet, following in my footsteps..haha.., I went a diggin' and discovered this fine solo record played by famed cornetist Leonard B Smith. Here, we have a nicely arranged program (from Corelli to Clarke) which is varied in content and immaculately executed by one of the finest brass players of the previous century.
For those that don't know Leonard B Smith, I'll fill you in. Native of New York, the bulk of his career was spent in Michigan as principal trumpet of the Detroit SO, conductor of the famed Detroit Concert band and esteemed teacher and clinician. For many years, Smith also commuted back to New York for his role as solo cornetist with the illustrious Goldman Band. Leonard Smith, it is important to note, is in that line going back to Herbert L Clarke and Patrick Gilmore and he is considered to be the last great practitioner of the cornet, the smaller, gentler version of a modern Bb trumpet, you could say.
Smith plays in a style which has long past, one where the music is the most important part for the program and the artist is the mouthpiece for it. His playing is honest, true, unfussy and crystalline. By any stretch, this is a recital which is well thought out, well judged and very well played. Smith is admirably joined by pianist Bernard Leighton.
I encourage you to have a listen, you will not be disappointed. This series, "Award Artists" was produced by the legendary Enoch Light. I'm guessing the recording is from the early 60's though it is monaural.
DOWNLOAD
