Amazing Grace - Marine Brass Ensemble

For this Blog, I wanted to feature a song from this playlist I found that features a concert performance by the Marine Brass ensemble.

Here is some history on the Marine Band:

Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the United States Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Its mission is unique—to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

. An accomplished musician himself, Thomas Jefferson recognized the unique relationship between the band and the Chief Executive, and he is credited with giving the Marine Band its title, “The President’s Own.”

Whether performing for State Dinners or South Lawn arrivals, events of national significance, or receptions, Marine Band musicians appear at the White House an average of 200 times each year. These performances range from small ensembles such as a solo pianist, jazz combo or brass quintet to a country band, dance band or full concert band. The diversity of music often presented at the Executive Mansion makes versatility an important requirement for Marine Band members. Musicians are selected at auditions much like those of major symphony orchestras, and they enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps for permanent duty with the Marine Band. Most of today’s members are graduates of the nation’s finest music schools, and more than 60 percent hold advanced degrees in music.

___________________________________________________

On Aug. 19, 2020, the Marine Brass Ensemble performed a concert highlighting the majestic sounds of the brass-family. The program included The Jupiter Hymn from Gustav Holst's "The Planets," Percy Grainger’s “Irish Tune” and “Shepherd’s Hey,” the traditional “Amazing Grace,” and more.

I really enjoyed this version of Amazing Grace that they played as it opens with a real jazzy blues trumpet solo. I've never heard it played in this style and it really made me happy. I love about halfway through when it goes into a cut time swing feel. it really gives life to the hymn and showed me a new perspective.

Here are the program notes:

"Originally an eighteenth-century Anglican hymn, “Amazing Grace” has become one of the most well-known tunes around the world, particularly in the genres of American folk music and spirituals. Its simple and easily sung melody has been worked into a wide variety of settings, from choral versions to classical instrumental arrangements to jazz ballads. This arrangement by Luther Henderson was crafted for the internationally renowned Canadian Brass and shines the spotlight on the first trumpet player in the free, blues-inspired opening passage, before transitioning to a Dixieland feel."