CD Review - 'Hustle'

On Sunday 1st April 2018, British Euphonium Player Mark Glover released an exciting new solo CD entitled 'Hustle'. 'Hustle' was recorded entirely in Dubai with Mark sensitively accompanied by Vicky Zaharieva on the Piano.

Between 2012 and 2015, Mark lived in Singapore and was challenged to promote the Euphonium to a new audience. Mark set about commissioning new works from a variety of different composers and arrangers which he could use within his recital programs. The result of this was a series of new compositions which make up this very exciting and original CD.

Opening Mark's CD is a piece entitled 'Sholem Alekhem, Rov Freidman' originally written by Bela Kovacs for the clarinet. The piece is written in a Klezma style which is a musical tradition of Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern Europe. Klezma is a genre which consists largely of dance tunes or instrumental display pieces which are played by professional musicians called Klezmorim. This style of music is usually played at big celebrations such as weddings. This solo uses a wide variety of techniques including lip bends and glissando's which really adds to the atmosphere and effect of Klezma. After a quasi-cadenza inspired introduction the music gradually gets faster in the expected way. Klezma is a very catchy solo which really sets the tone to this very exciting CD.

Concerto for Euphonium "Euphoria!" was written by Singaporean composer Zaidi Sabtu-Ramli and premiered by Mark Glover in Limeira in Brazil in November 2015. This work was originally written for Euphonium and Wind Band but appears on this CD in the form of a piano reduction which was completed by Simon Kerwin.

Movement One is entitled 'Mania' and is a technical tour de force which really shows off Mark's technique. 'Mania' is very rhythmic and when contrasted against the piano gives this concerto very intimate feel. The dynamic markings are very effective which adds to the interest of this concerto. The play between soloist and pianist makes a really interesting contrast. This solo ends with a reprise from the start before ending in a virtuosic accelarando.

Movement Two is entitled 'A Lucid Dreamin' which is dedicated to Mark's daughter, Lucy which features some beautiful, calming melodies which grow through to a Gamelan inspired close to the movement. Mark's slow melody playing really comes to the fore within this movement which is very calm and dream like in style. Quotations from the first movement add a really nice touch reminding the listener of the first movement which gives this concerto an integral linking and story.

Movement Three is entitled 'Nirvana' and is inspired by waltz and samba styles of dances. This movement totally changes the feel of the concerto demanding the soloist to play in a number of different dance styles. This concerto ends in typical technical form. An absolutely superb addition to the euphonium repertoire which I cannot wait to get my hands on.

The next feature in Mark's CD is an interesting choice which intrigued me slightly. Pavane was originally written for the piano by Gabriel Faure in 1887 however on the 25th November 1888 the orchestral version of Pavane was first performed and has in time become better known that the original piano version. Pavane has been expertly arranged by Wesley Kendrick. This delicate arrangement is superbly handled by Mark who crafts this beautiful tune into a fresh form.

'Scherzo' is a new work by Asaad Hamzy and is potentially the very first Syrian composer to write for the euphonium. This is a very exciting and rhythmic piece which requires stamina and a huge range which is expertly handled by Mark.

Although Mark has lived and worked abroad for the past number of years, Mark's roots are still firmly in the West Midlands. For many years Mark played Principal Euphonium of The Staffordshire Band as well as many other collaborations including a handbell ensemble which is the feature of the next piece in Hustle entitled 'Bells Across the Meadow'. This is such a refreshing piece as it shows the euphonium in such a different musical environment. 

'Through Her Eyes' is an original composition written by Mark himself and was originally inspired by a riff which Mark had written previously for guitar. This was one of my stand out favorites of Mark's solo album. It is absolutely fantastic that Mark has had the courage to include this composition within his album and is a brave choice which has really paid dividends! I hope we shall see Mark writing more compositions in the near future.

'The Devils Tongue' is a piece which has impressed me since I first heard it. It features what I believe to be Mark's signature technique of Triple Tonguing. Mark's technique is so razor sharp clear which makes me as a listener rather jealous.

'Euphtude' was originally written by Steven Lloyd-Gonzales as a study for Euphonium however translate so well into an unaccompanied solo. I absolutely love the change in scenery and the pleasant nature in which Mark navigates through all the technical pitfalls of this solo.

The finally two pieces on Hustle have a special significance for Mark. 'Lullaby for Lucy' was written as a gift for Mark's daughter by Alex Thio and was premiered in February 2016 in Jakarta . An absolutely beautiful melody which features Mark's trademark colorful sound.

The International Tuba and Euphonium Conference in 2016 took place in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mark was due to be accompanied by Alex Thio for his recital therefore Mark approached Zaidi and asked if he would write a solo which could be performed alongside Alex in Mark's recital the result was 'Hustle in Jozi' This piece was premiered in Hong Kong in May 2016 and is inspired by the sounds and sites of Johannesburg. One of the most difficult solo's featured on Mark's CD it is a piece full of imagery. The unrelenting underlying rhythm makes this solo full of drive and excitement.

'Hustle' is a very enjoyable and listenable CD which I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to, the addition of totally new repertoire sets this CD apart from any other Euphonium Album that I have heard this year. I look forward to seeing the pieces featured on Mark's CD featured by other Euphonium players in the near future. Mark's sound is one that has so many colors which extends throughout all of Mark's playing.

If you are interested in buying Mark's new CD please visit the following link - https://www.markglovermusic.co.uk/cd-hustle-sales

'Hustle' Repertoire:

1)    Sholem Alekhem, Rov Freidman - Béla Kovács 

2 -4)  Concerto for Euphonium “Euphoria!” - Zaidi Sabtu-Ramli

              i    Mania

             ii    A Lucid Dreamin’

            iii    Nirvana

5)    Pavane - Gabriel Fauré arr. Wesley Kendrick

6)    Scherzo for Euphonium and Piano - Asaad Hamzy

7)    Bells Across the Meadow - Albert Ketèlbey arr. Wesley Kendrick

8)    Through Her Eyes - Mark Glover

9)    The Devil’s Tongue - Hugo Schmidt arr. Harold Brasch

10)   Euphtude - Steven Lloyd-Gonzales 

11)    Lullaby for Lucy - Alex Thio

12)   Hustle in Jozi - Zaidi Sabtu-Ramli