Adam Frey, euphonium | Damon Denton, piano

Collected Dreams
Adam Frey/Damon Denton (Euphonium Enterprises)

I have to admit that when I first saw this was a euphonium solo record I wasn't too keen on the idea. Then to my astonishment, I saw that there were keyboards on the same recording; thoughts of Zamfir, Hanz Zimmer, Enya and Yanni filled my head with sacrilege! Never judge a book by its cover, or a CD by its case in this case. Mr. Frey's tone is warm and unique; it's what makes this recording so haunting and revelatory. There's a deeply spiritual feeling to this CD that radiates and penetrates even the hardest skeptic. The balance is perfect between the lush keyboard arrangements, and the euphonium, sometimes it's hard to know when one ends and the other begins, as on "Ye Banks and Braes" or on Bach's "Arioso". Whether we're listening to classic melodies like "Danny Boy", "Shenandoah", or "Amazing Grace", this recording is crowd pleasing and astute, simultaneously, in its artistry, musicality and singularity. Forget all those meditation, new age, pre-packaged commercial CD's, do yourself a favor and pick up some real music that crosses over. This is a recording that should be selling out in music stores across the country. Added Bonus: Did I mention how easy on the eyes this guy is?

William Gregory, www.Midwest-Ursine.com