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Brass is cool, and the True North Brass is an exceptionally cool, and very classy, brass ensemble. As a former trumpet player, I love the bright, bell-like highs and the warm, mellow lows that only brass can provide. In many respects, brass instruments uniquely "speak" in an almost human voice, and on "A True North Christmas," this excellent ensemble speaks holiday volumes in top style.

The True North Brass is a relatively small group--only five members--but mighty. With two trumpeters (Stuart Laughton, Raymond Tizzard), one trombone (or euphonium, played by Alastair Kay), one tuba (Scott Irvine), and one French horn (Joan Watson), each individual instrument has lots of opportunity to shine. And shine they all do! On a small personal note, I must say that I am particularly happy to review a brass ensemble that includes a female participant; way too many of these musical groups are exclusively testosterone-driven! Bravo, Joan Watson!

The 15 holiday numbers are almost entirely ancient carols, and the beautiful arrangements are nearly all handled by one of two ensemble members--Scott Irvine or Alastair Kay. Although routine horn blowing can be boring, there's nothing routine or boring about these pieces. The True North Brass ensemble knows how to blow these brass instruments to life, giving them true character and personality.

"A True North Christmas" is full of special moments and surprises. The CD opens in stellar fashion with classic brass fanfare. The second number, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" cleverly foreshadows several upcoming carols. "Silver Bells" is an exciting island delight with its cowbells-driven syncopated samba rhythms. Jazzy! You imagine yourself bustling with holiday packages--perhaps along the streets of Jamaica, and you even hear crowd noises and the staccato police whistle near the song's end. The fantastic "Carol of the Bells" utilizes an off-balance rhythm and some atonal chords to provide an extraordinary journey. Joan Watson's solo French horn delivers a breathtaking lead-in to "Silent Night." And I certainly did not expect a bluesy harmonica solo (by Stuart Laughton) on "What Child Is This?"! "A True North Christmas" is definitely not your run-of-the-mill holiday brass offering--not by a long shot!

My favorite tracks? That's really tough. I have always loved "I Saw Three Ships," and the colorful, rustic application of Watson's "natural horn" (no valves?) provides a superb interpretation unlike any other. The dreamy, distant quality of "Nowell Echoes" makes for another personal favorite. Include, too, on my list the always-special "Huron Carol" with its fabulous wildlife ambiance (complete with loon whistles and a trombone-generated wolf call).

"A True North Christmas" is a perfectly polished, yet warmly wonderful, holiday CD. If brass instrumentals make your heart sing, then you will find yourself turning to this Christmas album again and again this year. Truly special!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

Joan Watson: horn
Alastair Kay: trombone, euphonium
Scott Irvine: tuba
Stuart Laughton: trumpet
Raymond Tizzard: trumpet
Brian Barlow: percussion ("Silver Bells")

Additional instruments on Track 10:
Al Kay: loon whistle
Joan Watson: rainstick
Ray Tizzard: wine glass, shakers, loon whistle
Stuart Laughton: loon whistle, tiny cymbals, wine glasses
Scott Irvine: wind chimes

From the website:

A True North Christmas is the Brass' third and latest release. These brass arrangements of everyone's holiday favourites are a wonderful collection. The Brass are joined by Brian Barlow on Percussion on Silver Bells.

True North Brass

A True North Christmas

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Track List