Artists' Comments

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QUINCY JONES
Magnificent! "First Brass" has a lot to offer.

BOB BROOKMEYER
As an arranger I found "First Brass" to have engaging writing and as a trombonist, I found the brass playing superb.

DIZZY GILLESPIE
When you speak of lead trumpets, Derek is "Mr. Lead". Allan Botschinsky is in the same league, and I especially like what those Dutchmen, the Van Liers, can do on the trombone.

DOC SEVERINSEN
All brass, no rhythm section, and yet it really swings. This is some of the finest brass playing I have heard. The original tunes are of high quality and beautifully recorded. "First Brass" has certainly taken the brass band idea and run with it.

MAYNARD FERGUSON
I can't tell you how impressed I was with "First Brass". It's great to hear such fine brass playing combined with creative writing in a very unique concept. I am very familiar with all four guys and would like to commend them highly on this project.