For the first time in New Zealand a solo soprano cornet player has produced a CD with North Shore Brass accompanying. And that is not the only difference to other CDs – this one features top level local brass musicians and all profits from CD sales go to the North Shore Hospice.
NZ and Australian soprano cornet champion player Kerry Wood has assembled a wide range of music for this great community CD, recorded at the Corelli School Frontier Records
Music on the CD includes Neil Sedaka to Queen, and James Bond to Puccini; something for everyone – both the players and listeners alike! 29 musicians rehearsed and recorded during August 2009, with the aim of producing a top quality CD for the public to buy as Christmas presents in support of the North Shore Hospice. The recording of the CD was supported by the North Shore Creative Communities funding scheme
Included on the CD are two original pieces by North Shore musicians. Definitions is a solo written by Takapuna musician Fendall Hill, and has been chosen as a test piece both for the Australian and NZ National Brass Band Championships. It features swing style as well as a myriad of notes for the soloist! Kaleidescope is the other original track, written by North Shore musician Lee Martelli for soloist Kerry on the occasion of his 50th birthday – an event that took place just last February
Soloist Kerry Wood has been involved in brass music for more than 35 years, as both player and conductor. Recording a CD has been an ambition of his for a while, wanting to share his love for brass music and challenge himself further. By day Kerry is CEO of Reckon NZ, an accounting software firm in Albany, and also competes in Thundercat NZ Boat Racing and the corporate boxing Fight for Life programme. All this on top of being Dad to two great boys aged 5 and 8
North Shore Brass Manager John Sullivan says “This CD project was a great opportunity for the band to be involved in a community initiative. Many of the younger members of the band had never experienced recording before, and it was a great project to work on as a group. We are all eager to hear the results and hope everyone will like the CD”
North Shore Hospice has listed the CD in their 2009 Christmas Catalogue, and order forms for the CD can also be obtained from leef@apo.co.nz The goal is to sell all 1000 pressed CDs by Christmas, so North Shore Hospice can be given a great 2010 funding contribution as a result. The Kaleidoscope CD launch is at the Spencer on Byron Hotel on 30 September – requests to attend can also go to the above email.
