MAINSTREET BRASS

• Handel: Joy to the World

"The Twelve Days of Christmas might have been written to encourage arrangers into creating variations. Even if that's not so, variations still abound. But you won't soon forget this one! No, it goes in all sorts of rhythms and directions you might not have previously considered. The only definite is that you will be entertained and amused by it -- and you won't soon forget it, either! The creative addition of percussion will bring smiles to any listener. This lovely collection really does provide something for everyone, The arrangements wander from bluesy to traditional brass, to Latin rhythms with castanets… Other than the medleys and A Christmas Carol, the pieces are mostly short, yet each instrumentalist gets a time to shine and demonstrate the beauty of their instrument. There's a fair amount of piccolo trumpet which is really delightful."

Music & Vision - December 2011

For brass players, Christmastime is one of the best times of the year. For us, bringing out the stacks of carol arrangements each December is just like breaking out the boxes of Christmas tree ornaments and lights and decorating for the season.

Mainstreet Brass is pleased to present “Christmas Spirit,” which contains 11 new Christmas arrangements for brass — alone and with percussion — as well as some old favorites and a few surprises. We hope you enjoy this recording and make it part of your holiday tradition for years to come. From Scrooge’s ghostly visitors to a sip of wassail, “Christmas Spirit” brings together a selection of carols and songs that will rekindle memories of Christmases past and bring anticipation of those yet to come.

Mainstreet Brass formed in 1986, inspired by a musical camaraderie, a passion for brass quintet literature and performance and a goal to present interesting and entertaining music to its audiences. The quintet has performed for enthusiastic audiences at arts festivals, colleges and concert series in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, New England, the Midwest and the United Kingdom. Described by concert presenters as “marvelously delightful” and “magical, balanced and alive,” Mainstreet Brass presents varied repertoire spanning the centuries — from florid 17th century canzons and Bach transcriptions to memorable show tunes and blues ranging from Jelly Roll Morton, W.C. Handy and Fats Waller. The ensemble is recognized for its refined playing, presenting engaging, accessible literature for all audiences and for actively commissioning new works and arrangements. Besides its concert schedule, the group also performs regularly for church services in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and provides ceremonial music for academic ceremonies at regional colleges and universities. For more information, visit

www.mainstreetbrass.com

Once in Royal David’s City (Henry John Gauntlett, arr. Richard Price)

Joy to the World (attrib. G.F. Handel, arr. Alan Danson)

In the Bleak Midwinter (G. Holst, arr. A. Danson)

Ding Dong! Merrily on High (16th century French carol, arr. A. Danson)

Linus and Lucy / Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi, arr. Kevin Long & Zachary Smith)

A Little Christmas Medley (arr. for MSB by Jonathan Smith)

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel / Rejoice and Be Merry (Gallery Carol) /

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Gloucestershire Wassail (English traditional, arr. Lawrence Eden)

Wexford Carol (12th century Irish carol, arr. R. Price)

A Christmas Carol - A Dickens of a Tale (A. Danson / text: Owen Surridge)

Deck the Halls (Welsh traditional carol, arr. A. Danson)

Frosty the Snowman (Steve Nelson, arr. Lewis J. Buckley)

We Three Kings of Orient Are (John H. Hopkins, arr. A. Danson)

Go Tell It on the Mountain (American traditional, arr. L.J. Buckley)

Joseph lieber, Joseph mein (Johann Walter, arr. Shari Gleason-Mayrhofer)

Rudolph and Santa (arr. for MSB by J. Smith)

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Johnny Marks) /

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (J. Fred Coots)

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Martin & Blane, arr. Tim Jameson)

We Wish You a Merry Christmas (16th century English carol, arr. Thomas G. Parriott)

MSR Classics