" Bones Apart is, without question, one of the finest trombone quartets in the world "
Michael Davidson,
University of Texas, Austin
Full reviews
Small TitlePeak
Concerts in Skipton and Frome
“ What an absolute treat! “
Skipton Music
“ Fabulous concert at Skipton Town Hall by Bones Apart who played a wonderfully varied, eclectic and evocative programme of music by female composers, to a packed hall who loved every minute. Many thanks! “
Elaine, audience member
“ This was a wonderful concert, full of variety and excitement. Extraordinary tone colour and control from four outstanding performers in their field. Thank you. “
Charles, audience member
“ Absolutely amazing performance by 4 incredible performers! The range of musical styles played on 4 trombones was a revelation! “
Julie, audience member
“ THE trombone quartet Bones Apart served up a hugely enjoyable feast for Skipton Music, the latest in its ‘hidden treasures’ series featuring music of female composers.
Last year members of Skipton Music were dazzled by the trumpet quartet Solus Ensemble, but the four virtuosi of Bones Apart made a convincing case that a trombone quartet can produce an equally varied and fleet-footed programme.
There was indeed something for all tastes, from the hauntingly beautiful sounds of single instruments against a delicate drone in a sequence by the mediaeval Hildegard von Bingen, to a suite of songs from the American musical Calamity Jane.
It was particularly interesting to hear the two pieces written specifically for this combination; Torc, by quartet member Helen Vollam, uses a number of special effects to convey the sounds of the British forces commanded by Queen Boudicca and the Roman legions against which they fought; while the two-movement First Quartet by the Dutch composer Saskia Apon exploits all the possibilities of the ensemble without the use of special effects.
Inevitably, much of the group’s repertoire consists of arrangements of pieces originally written for other forces. Your reviewer particularly enjoyed the pieces by Lili and Nadia Boulanger which ended the first half, and the pieces by the Brazilian Chiquinha Gonzaga and a group of four female Holywood singer/composers in the second half. Occasionally – for instance in the arrangement from Handel’s “Giulio Cesare” – it seemed difficult to pick out the melody from the accompanying parts at a similar pitch. But this was at most a very small inconvenience in what was all in all a deeply satisfying concert. “
Charles Dobson, Craven Herald & Pioneer
Perse musicians enjoyed a masterclass from renowned trombone quartet Bones Apart
By The Perse School, Cambridge
24 November 2022
“ Perse musicians enjoyed a masterclass from renowned trombone quartet Bones Apart.
Founded in 1999, Bones Apart are an all-female group who have toured all over the world and won multiple prestigious awards including the Royal Over-Seas League Competition and the Philip Jones Award.
The day began with the group holding excellent 45-minute workshops with the Senior Trumpet Ensemble and Senior Brass Dectet.
A rehearsal and recording session followed for brass players in Years 7 to 10, conducted and led by Bones Apart performers.
Perse pupils contributed tremendous solos to the quartet’s arrangement of ‘Lily of the Valley’. These new pieces allowed the students to explore some rhythmic structures they may not have previously been used to.
They worked on varied repertoire, playing some of Bones Apart’s own arrangements, as well as honing some of their existing pieces, with the day being rounded off with an after-school concert in the Lecture Theatre.
Edward (year 9) said he was particularly excited to work on his articulation with the group and on refining his current repertoire.
Perse Director of Music Ben Wingfield said: “The masterclasses with the group gave the students an insight into the strategies Bones Apart use during their rehearsal process, developing their skills working in an ensemble.
The evening concert allowed our ensembles to rub shoulders with the professional group at the top of their game. “
Workshop and Concert at Trent College, Nottingham
“ It was a wonderful performance. I never knew that trombones could sound like that! “
Louise, audience member
“ It was absolutely fabulous. I particularly enjoyed the premiere of the new composition, but the entire programme was very well planned with a wonderful selection of pieces. “
Vicky, audience member
“ Very enjoyable evening, liked the different effects and techniques used in ‘Torc’. “
Michael, audience member
“ It was a superb day, thank you so much. I’ve had so much positive feedback, both internally and externally from the guests who attended the evening. I felt you all showed great humility and humour, as well as exceptional musicianship.
It was one of the best recitals I’ve had the pleasure of promoting. “
Nick Parrans-Smith, Director of Music, Trent College
Fridays at One recital at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
By Mark Good
The Bandsman magazine
21st February 2020
Fridays at One - Wonder Women
Bones Apart
Stevenson Hall, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland February 7th, 2020.
"Trombone quartet Bones Apart enjoys a stellar reputation for producing chamber music of the very highest standard. A real coup, then, for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to showcase the ensemble in its prestigious Fridays at One slot.
The all-female group had been working with students of RCS’s brass department over the preceding days before taking centre stage in a concert celebrating female composers, songwriters and trailblazers.
The ensemble was dispersed to corners of the Stevenson Hall for O quam mirabilis est, a beautiful lyricism evident from the outset. The Suite from Bonduca (Boudicca) showcased a delightful poise, each player so evenly matched in every last detail, from articulation to note length and balance.
Several of the arrangements had been prepared by members of the ensemble. The Suite from Sant Alessio was adapted by Becky Smith, who soared into the higher register with apparent ease as the music fizzed along, the nimble, cascading lines graceful at every turn. Sarah Williams, on bass trombone, found real clarity, even while descending into the lower reaches of the register.
D’un jardin clair and Les lilas sont en folie, by sisters Lili and Nadia Boulanger, saw fleeting musical ideas floating in and out of the texture in an almost whimsical fashion.
Addressing the audience in Stevenson Hall, Jayne Murrill acknowledged the difficulties they encountered when searching for a trombone quartet from the pen of a female composer. Saskia Apon’s First Trombone Quartet was a work which began with dark, brooding melodic lines before giving way to swirling rhythmic textures in the second movement. The attention to detail was admirable and the leading lines always found their way to the forefront of the balance.
In the latter stages of this one-hour concert, Bones Apart took a light-hearted turn. Nina Simone’s Sinnerman featured arranger Helen Vollam display a delightfully lyrical quality in this spirited adaptation.
Both Sides Now saw the melody shared around the group in an innately musical reading, the remaining members providing a sympathetic accompaniment. Blues Melba took on a relaxed swing, underpinned by Sarah Williams’ fruity bass trombone sound, before two numbers from Calamity Jane, Windy City and Secret Love, captured the jollity and heart-rending tenderness brought to the big screen by Doris Day in the 1953 western.
This was a concert showcasing female musical trailblazers. In Bones Apart, the music was brought to the stage by a (female) chamber group at the peak of its powers in a performance of elegance, subtlety and considerable variety in tonal colour."
Low Brass Workshop and Concert at Kings Theatre in Cheddar
By Toby D'Jong
May 2019
"What a wonderful evening! The trombone quartet Bones Apart, Jayne Murrill, Becky Smith, Helen Vollam and Sarah Williams, just get better and better. Individually they are all players at the top of their profession, their skill, dexterity and musicianship is quite stunning. Combined they are spectacular ambassadors for the trombone!
Arrangements were surprising, clever, artistic, amusing and fun, varying the texture of sound infinitely, so easy to forget there were only four players! Many of the arrangements were by members of the ensemble (special credit to Helen), with others on this occasion by Mark Nightingale, Colin Skinner, Alwyn Green, Lorna McDonald and Simon Wills; some really varied and inspiring works.
Pieces were by turns, regal, majestic, sensual, gorgeous, jazzy and witty, and always played with style and huge panache and polish. I particularly liked La Boda de Luis Alonso by Gimenez and La Cumparsita, but all were well received by a packed audience. We were introduced to music building towards a "Wonder Women" programme, and a new name to me Melba Liston. I look forward to another CD perhaps?
With most enjoyable contributions from the performers who took part in the afternoon workshops with the quartet, and the Cheddar Valley Music Club Brass Band under the direction of the amazing and indomitable Anne Higgs this was a great evening of brass playing! Encore!"
By JDF
May 2019
"Well ladies and gentlemen I told you to be there!
Bones Apart the amazing Trombone Quartet, Becky Smith, Jayne Murrill, Helen Vollam and Sarah Williams, provided another spellbinding evening in Cheddar last week. They are an outstanding ensemble, versatile, ingenious, exciting and dynamic. Many of the arrangements are by members of the ensemble, some of the best arrangements for small group I have heard. The evening also provided a show case for some young players and local talent. Never miss the opportunity to hear this inventive and exciting group!"
By Jude Owens
May 2019
"Internationally acclaimed trombone quartet Bones Apart certainly played for their supper with panache on a return visit to Cheddar last week.
During the day, Bones Apart - Jayne Murrill, Becky Smith, Helen Vollam and Sarah Williams - led demos and brass workshops with student musicians, before performing in the evening with other talented professionals, young protégées and community brass players. Although they had only rehearsed together for a few hours, or perhaps because of it, there was an air of anticipation throughout the evening as Bones Apart opened with Monteverdi's jaunty, yet somehow formal duo of Chiome d'Oro and Damigella Tutta Bella.
The musicians then moved across the border into France with two pieces by composer sisters Lili and Nadia Boulanger - D'un Jardin Clair, perfect for strolling in a garden on a summer's evening and Chanson which was like a garden awakening to sparkling sunshine.
The students opened their performance with Amazing Grace with its beautiful and heartening harmonies and followed it with something very different, Brazil and its foot-tapping fun. The fast tempo continued with Cheddar Valley Music Club Brass Band's Pedal Pusher, it was brass at its best. Followed by an even brassier version of I've Got Rhythm.
Back to Bones Apart and a Catalan folk song, Son of Mary which was gentle and nurturing. In contrast, the Intermedio from La Boda de Luis Alonso by Geronimo Gimenez was vigorous. Clever playing that was fast-paced with lots of puff and page-turning; yet made trombone-ing appear artfully too easy.
In the second half, as part of Bones Apart's 'Wonder Women' programme, a tango. A spirit of danger on the dance floor. Full of promise and expectation, La Cumparsita was utterly fabulous. A world premiere in Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell was wistful and emotional. I almost expected the quartet to burst into tears at any moment. Blues Melba by Melba Liston was classy, sassy brass. I pictured the composer strutting about like her music.
Deep River by the students was soothing and gentle contrasting with the next piece Spanish Gypsy Dance.
Back to the pros and the Judy Garland set with the Trolley Song from Meet Me in St Louis with all the rhythmic thrill of a moving train, followed by the classic Over the Rainbow and Get Happy from the 1950 film Summer Stock was lovely, lively and cheering, as if the trombonists were singing the words.
Next, Bones Apart and all the players from the workshops combined forces as an orchestra to perform Sway and Frank Sinatra's New York, New York was an exuberant (nearly) end. But not quite.
They had an old favourite up their sleeves. Stars and Stripes was eye-wateringly, pacey, impressive playing. Yet, how else should a concert end of such creative calibre and capability and a wonderful collaboration between professionals and pupils?
A warm thank you to Cheddar Valley Music Club teacher and leader Anne Higgs for organising the workshop and concert, and to Bones Apart for bringing their love for brass music to Cheddar."
Concert at the Pinner Music Festival
By Lis Warren
June 2017
"The relaxed atmosphere at many of the concerts was exemplified by the four female trombonists, Bones Apart, who presented a fun and diverse programme. We enjoyed familiar tunes from Bizet's Carmen, some solemn Beethoven (who apparently called the trombone "the voice of God") and the jazzy West Side Story. I'd no idea how nimble a trombone, even the sonorous bass, could be. The quartet was formed in Manchester and before beginning the joyous Bernstein tunes they quoted him as saying "This will be our reply to violence".
Concert in Wigton, Cumbria
By Dr. Ian Maxwell
May 2017
"For nearly twenty years, the members of the trombone quartet Bones Apart have been entertaining and delighting audiences to great acclaim, both in Britain and worldwide, with their virtuoso performances of an eclectic repertoire composed or arranged for four trombones. On Sunday 28 May at Lowmoor Church, Wigton, an appreciative audience of nearly eighty was privileged to enjoy a Solway Arts promoted recital given by the ensemble, which, on this occasion, included local girl Sarah Williams playing bass trombone as well as Beth Calderbank, together with longer standing members Becky Smith - principal trombonist of English National Opera, and Helen Vollam - principal trombonist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
The repertoire for trombone quartet is not extensive, but Bones Apart have set about rectifying that by a combination of commissions of original works, and arrangements - many by Helen Vollam. Examples from each of these forms was included in Sunday afternoon's programme, which began with Toccata and Chiome d'Oro by Monteverdi, celebrating the 450th anniversary of the composer's birth. These short works amply demonstrated from the outset the individual skills and talents of the players, together with the precision of their ensemble playing. One of the few works specifically composed for trombone quartet, Drei Equali by Beethoven followed, showcasing the noble sound of the instruments.
Ravel's Pavane pour une infante défunte showed off the lyrical characteristics of the trombone, although the difficulties presented by longer sustained notes were evident from adjustments made in the arrangement of the original piano music. Sir Henry Wood's arrangement of the sea-song Spanish Ladies, formed the basis of Señoras - a Bones Apart commission from composer and fellow-trombonist Dan Jenkins. This work featured a kaleidoscope of musical styles and enabled each of the players to demonstrate their individual virtuosity. The first half of the recital ended with a delightful suite of arrangements from Bizet's opera Carmen, which showed the versatility and capabilities of an instrument frequently regarded only as a supporting act.
A loose theme based on French composer and teacher Nadia Boulanger underpinned the second half of the programme, which featured an arrangement of her song Les lilac sont en folie. Arrangements of works by Boulanger's students Aaron Copland - At the River and Simple Gifts, and Astor Piazzolla - including the well-known Oblivion, were framed by arrangements of Three Piano Preludes by George Gershwin, and a selection of numbers from the Leonard Bernstein musical West Side Story. Copland's At the River covered the entire range of resonances possible with the trombone - from plaintive, lyrical sounds, to powerful, brassy calls, and in Piazzolla's Postcards from Argentina, the listener was effortlessly transported into the very heart of the land of the tango.
Describing the virtuosity demonstrated in the selections from West Side Story which closed the programme could fill a review on its own. The rhythmic vitality of America, and the rapid melodic transfers in encore arrangement Gee, Officer Krupke were handled faultlessly. Prolonged applause was an appropriate conclusion to one of the finest musical recitals to have been presented in Wigton in recent years."
Workshop and Concert in Cheddar
By Anne Higgs
April 2016
"You are fantastic ambassadors for the trombone, great role models. You display stunning versatility, dexterity, originality and musicianship. Your visit has made a big impact, thank you very much"
By The Cheddar Valley Music Club
April 2016
"Thank you so much for the very special day Bones Apart gave us in Cheddar. You are the most amazing players and teachers. We hope you will be able to visit us again soon.
With best wishes from The Cheddar Valley Music Club"
By Kings of Wessex Academy
April 2016
"The fanfare opening by acclaimed trombone quartet Bones Apart set the scene for the concert on Monday 25 April 2016 in the Kings Theatre.
Organised by Anne Higgs, on behalf of the Cheddar Valley Music Club and Somerset Music a few days after Shakespeare's anniversary, this was history in the making after "a wonderful day" of workshops with local schools as Bones Apart inspired the young brass musicians of the future who follow in the footsteps of trombonist Helen Vollam who first played at Wedmore First School. Helen was joined by Jayne Murrill, Becky Smith and Sarah Williams.
Bones Apart treated the audience to an array of pieces and faithful to Shakespeare commenced with three movements from Mendelssohn's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' - from the stirring Allegro, the beautiful slow Nocturne; before finally, the lively sprightly racy-pacy business of the fairy kingdom for the Dance of the Clowns. Duke Ellington's 'Such Sweet Thunder' was a swanky, suave change of tack; with seductive sliding and happy harmonising that preceded more jaunty jazz with John Dankworth's almost sing-songy, with a steely beat and echoes "If Music Be the Food of Love" from 'Twelfth Night'.
Time for melting mellowness, the students' rendition of timeless 'Amazing Grace' brought tears to my eyes. But I was dancing in my seat for the 'Brazil' samba - made for swaying with a cocktail on a sunny evening, fading away like a stunning sunset teasing the listener to want more.
The Cheddar Valley Music Club Brass Band students put on a splendid show for 'Out of the Blue', a loud and intrepid opening that flourished into a confident march. The 'Folk Tune Ashokan Farewell' from the 1982 Civil War Television series was an epic coming together led by the trumpet, bringing a wistful feeling of triumph and accomplishment.
But for this Miss Moneyoenny the highlight of the evening (amongst many) was 'The Best of Bond'. A licence to thrill: big, bold and with a daring whiff of danger. Bond music never fails to shake and stir me. The romance of 'From Russia with Love', to 'Goldfinger' and 'You Only Live Twice' before the breath-taking build-up of the hallmark Bond theme tune and shot gun bursts. All it needed was 007 himself to strut onto the stage with his devil may care grin.
The first half ended with Bones Apart performing Cole Porter’s 'So in Love', inspired by the famous 'Kiss Me Kate' wooing scene in 'Taming of the Shrew'. A slow and sad opening. But as the shrew was tamed it got going, before slowing down again. A bit like love. The shrew was back in “Too Darn Hot” - a fast and playful finger-clicking good piece. The headiness continued in the second half when Bones Apart tangoed with us in 'La Cumparsita' from 'Some Like it Hot'. With off key sharps and flats, and using mutes, it was exotic and exciting, played against the steady beat, as a precursor to Jacob Gade's a tussle of a tango, 'Jealousy'. Bring on the dancers. Rousing music for slinky dancing and smouldering looks before the compulsory crescendo.
The Senior Workshop Brass Ensemble's performance of Bruckner's Locus Iste was mellow, warm and resounding, filling the theatre. It could have been a Big Top for the big brassy Entry of the Gladiators. Fast and jaunty, changing tempos, I pictured parading elephants, the circus master in top hat and dangling trapeze artists. 'Roll up, roll up".
All the musicians joined forces for more adventurous music with the Indiana Jones theme tune for precise playing at its best. Manhattan Transfer's Speak Up Mambo was utterly fabulous with audience participation in the e-oh-ah, e-oh-ah-a, and tapping cowbell, maracas and lots of tricky timings. Fun, fun, fun.
As the evening drew to a close the quartet ended the concert with three pieces from West Side Story; based, of course, on the eternal love story, Romeo and Juliet. From the lingering and lovely Balcony Scene to the soul-stretching well-loved city bright lights Tonight; then the tiptoeing and teasing Cha Cha for Tony and Maria's first date; before ending with the full of surprises rollicking number America of promise and possibility.
Quite a finale for what Anne Higgs coined a "dazzling display of virtuosity". But it was not over yet. Stars and Stripes Forever was an energetic encore to an evening of bravura brass that told stories to last a lifetime."
Concert in Appleby
By Peter Chester
Trombonist Magazine
Summer 2015
On Sunday March 29th 2015, North Westmorland Arts provided a sizeable and enthusiastic audience to give Bones Apart a very warm reception on what was in fact a return visit to the Society. For the quartet's latest recruit, Sarah Williams on bass trombone, temporarily replacing Lorna McDonald, who is busy in Bermuda, this was something of a homecoming. She was born in Wigton, in Cumbria, so her family were present at what was a very enjoyable evening. Helen Vollam, Becky Smith and Jayne Murrill all seemed very much at home as well. The music was linked by the theme, 'If Music be the Food of Love' and the programme was inspired by the plays of William Shakespeare.
The history plays, Henry V and Richard III, were prominent and The Agincourt Song from Henry V made a splendid opener whilst the less familiar music from Richard III provided an excellent short suite, given its first airing by the group. Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream and Tchaikovsky's Hamlet each provided tasteful suites for the quartet. More contemporary evocations of Shakespearean themes were provided by stunning arrangements including Duke Ellington's Such Sweet Thunder and John Dankworth's If Music be the Food of Love.
If there are any BTS members who have never seen Bones Apart live, then they should. They are a superb example of the music trombones can make.
Bromley Trombone Workshop 2015
By Richard Debonnaire
Bromley Temple
March 2015
Twenty-four trombone enthusiasts, descended upon Bromley Temple Salvation Army hall on March 28th for the 2015 Bromley Trombone Workshop, led by Brett Baker and Paul Woodward, featuring Bones Apart and Black Dyke Trombone quartets, some of the very finest ‘tromboneers’ in the country!
The group represented a wide range of ages and abilities, the youngest being just 11, and another of which had travelled from Rotterdam to be with us!
It was a delight to welcome Bones Apart – Helen Vollam (especially after so many email exchanges!), Jayne Murrill, Becky Smith and (standing in for regular bass trombonist Lorna McDonald) Sarah Williams to the workshop. It was good also to watch as both quartets met for the first time and have quartet selfies taken…
Bones Apart, originally formed in 1999 in Manchester have rapidly gained international acclaim as a leading trombone ensemble, and they played a varied programme, with that lush sound that orchestral players seem to produce, playing with great poise and finesse and varying from classical to jazz in style. Coming from an orchestral background, there was a different feel to what we’d heard previously, so it was a different experience to hear them play.
They looked like they were having a great time, and took it in turns to introduce their pieces, whilst at the same time inviting questions from the audience. Their set included arrangements from composers as diverse as Felix Mendelssohn and Cole Porter, playing a suite of music from A Midsummer Nights Dream and So In Love respectively, with a bit of Walton and some traditional tunes in between. It was fascinating to observe how the solo lines were passed around within the group, and it was hard to tell who was playing what, which is down to the clever arrangements, many of them by Helen. This was a first class set, brilliantly played.
It had been a superb day of music making, learning and entertainment by some of the finest players in the country, and although I quiver slightly at the prospect, I look forward to organizing another Bromley Trombone Workshop – at some point!
Playing to a packed hall, the concert kicked off with Bromley band playing Dudley Bright’s sparkling march Spirit of the West, featuring the hymn I’ll stand for Christ; a very fine march from a fabulous trombone player.
The workshop delegates came forward to play their first item, Ray Steadman-Allen’s timeless classic, Trombone Vespers, chosen partly as a tribute to ‘RSA’, and introduced and conducted by Paul Woodward. Accompanied by the band and featuring The Vesper Hymn, it is a lovely trombone feature. They followed this with something completely different; John Williams’ Indiana Jones March conducted by Jayne Murrill. The group made a full, rich sound, as only a group of trombones can!
It was then the turn of Bones Apart to play, and this amazing group of players started us off with a Tango, Jealousy, which features a duet of competing trombones, played by Jayne and Becky, acting…well, jealously!
They followed this with a delightful Roger Harvey arrangement of Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair, with the solo line being beautifully played by Jayne, and then went on to play Tico Tico at a blistering pace, in another great arrangement of a classic.
To the delight of the crowd, they finished their first set with Simon Wills arrangement of the Sousa march, The Stars and Stripes Forever. You may be familiar with the YouTube video of the group playing this – the most watched trombone video on the Internet, apparently! It was met with rapturous applause and cheers – a magnificent display of playing.
To read the full review visit www.bromleytromboneworkshop.org.uk
Dulwich College Trombone Week
By Robin Smith
Head of Brass, Dulwich College
March 2015
Last week we experienced the first ever 'Dulwich College Trombone Week', bringing to the community the special sound of this unique instrument. After a pop up concert in the Christison Hall, a whole Junior School assembly, try-outs in the Junior School playground on a bright red pBone, a dedicated lunchtime concert in the College Chapel featuring former Syd Lawrence Orchestra principal trombonist Jon Stokes (who also came and sat in with the Big Band and Other Big Band) we ended the week with a visit from the world renowned trombone quartet Bones Apart.
We started the afternoon with a recital in the Old Library where the girls (Becky, Jayne, Sarah and Helen) performed an exciting programme of music based on a Shakespearian theme. They began with a sublime arrangement of a song written in 1415 at the battle of Agincourt, then visited Cole Porter's 'Kiss Me Kate' en route to Bernstein's West Side Story, ending with an electrifying 'America'. After an afternoon of workshops and a master class where Greg South (tenor trombone) and Henry Briggs (bass trombone) were put through their paces the week ended with a concert by the two College trombone quartets and a massed ensemble performance of the 'Theme from Rocky'.
Church Stretton Festival, Shropshire
By Glenn Pollard
Shropshire Music Service, Summer 2014
Thank you so much for such a terrific concert. We were all truly inspired by your wonderful playing. The impeccable sense of musicianship, ensemble, gorgeous sound and beautiful articulation was a joy. The arrangements were so effective and well matched to your individual and collective talents. We are already looking forward to your next visit!
Festival of Brass, Cambridge
By Caroline Dean
The Trombonist magazine, Summer 2013
"Girls lead the way - a class act!"
It was female trombonists leading the way at the Festival of Brass, held at West Road Concert Hall in Cambridge on 18 February. Top trombone quartet Bones Apart played a vital role in this charity event to raise money for Cancer Research UK, leading a workshop for over 60 players in the afternoon and playing a high-quality set in the first half of this epic musical event organised by Dr. Lisa Jardine-Wright.
Becky Smith, Jayne Murrill, Helen Vollam and Lorna McDonald began their set with a rendition of Jealousy and followed it with the well-loved standard, My Funny Valentine. This showcased the individual talents of these four outstanding musicians, who each took a melodic role in the piece, showing the diversity and range of the trombone to great effect.
David Childs, who was the featured soloist for the event, joined Bones Apart for a quintet arrangement of Czardas. The accompaniment was minimalist, but highly proficient and all credit to the girls for keeping up with the constant tempo changes and quirks of the piece on little more than 15 minutes rehearsal time with the soloist.
In complete contrast, Childs went on to play Donegal Bay - a special arrangement of the piece for Childs and Bones Apart for this event. The sign of a quality accompaniment is how much they compliment a soloist without taking over, and once again, the girls did the business. Childs' lingering tones floated over the audience, supported by the quality of sound of Bones Apart, making the fact that this was a charity concert all the more poignant. There was barely a dry eye in the house and the performers were visibly affected by this moving piece.
Then two pieces to lift the mood - Variations on Annie Laurie and Stars and Stripes Forever - both pieces requiring maximum concentration and great technical proficiency, which Bones Apart have in bucket loads. Despite the fact that the girls have very different styles of playing, they combine perfectly in their ensemble, sharing out parts equally and making for great variety in tonal quality. A high-quality set from a truly outstanding ensemble.
Review of 'TEN' in the ITA Journal
ITA Journal April 2013, Volume 41
By Michael Davidson
University of Texas
TEN is a brilliant offering from the Bones Apart Trombone Quartet. The CD is a compilation of music written and performed over the decade from the group's inception, from 1999-2009. The quartet covers a great breadth of musical styles periods, from Renaissance music to Gershwin, from Stephen Foster to Jimmy Van Heusen, from Tchaikovsky to tango - if you can't find something you like on this CD, something's the matter with you! The group changes styles (and registers!) with ease and displays exceptional technical and musical capabilities. The arrangements ably showcase the group's talents and strengths.
'Annie Laurie' is superbly played. The piccolo solo in 'Stars and Stripes Forever' sounds terrific when performed on trombone. The group's performance on the Sousa and in the 'Nutcracker Suite' is inspiring because, frankly, it just sounds so easy! 'Tank Corps March' has the group's musical skills on full display. Indeed, there are so many attention-grabbing "happenings" on this track that it is at times hard to believe there are only four parts being played.
Finally, although every track on this CD is impressive, words cannot adequately describe 'Here's That Rainy Day' and 'My Funny Valentine' - the quartet's performance of these works is quite extraordinary. You MUST listen to appreciate the artistry.
Bones Apart is, without question, one of the finest trombone quartets in the world, and TEN is a magnificent recording.
Leicester International Festival
7 March 2013
By Peter Baker
Leicester Lunchtime Concerts
You can be moved to tears by string quartets, uplifted by singers, astounded by pianists but you can only be seduced by trombones. Preferably four of them, preferably played by the angels of the trombone, the all-female Bones Apart, Helen, Jayne, Becky and Lorna. Their extraordinary technical ability and expressive harmonies, innate musicality and wonderful sounds successfully seduced a Leicester Lunchtime Concert audience.
Monteverdi, Purcell, Tchaikovsky, Ravel, Massenet and Humperdinck played by trombones was like seeing composers in new clothes. Ravel’s Pavane, always moving was exquisite. Weill’s Threepenny Opera was much enhanced by a slippery, slidey Mack the Knife well-suited to the trombone’s unique glissando.
Dan Jenkins’ commission Scenes from Sherwood were literally character building from a stalwart Robin Hood to a drunken Friar Tuck - trombones are particularly good at being drunk. It had outlaws descending from trees and a tremendous battle with the Sherriff of Nottingham’s men.
Finally, over to Big Band mode with a tribute to the equally seductive Judy Garland in a lilting Over the Rainbow and a bouncy Get Happy. Bliss!
A Christmas Greeting
By Peter Bale
4barsrest, December 2012
The Guards Brass Band, conductors Major Simon Haw and Lt Col Stuart Watts.
Featuring Bones Apart
Regent Hall, London Saturday 15th December 2012
Stephen Bulla’s ‘Proclamation of Christmas’ made an effective opener, displaying the band’s bright, well-balanced sound. They followed with ‘A Christmas Carol’, compiled by Philip Littlemore from Christmas settings by Nigel Hess, a composer particularly active in the field of film and TV music.
The trombone quartet Bones Apart are no strangers to Regent Hall, having appeared on a couple of occasions as part of the annual Brass Arts Festival.
After a sparkling rendition of ‘Troika’, they continued with three contrasting carol arrangements, ‘Patapan’, ‘Coventry Carol’ and ‘Gaudete’ before completing their opening slot with extracts from the Nutcracker Suite - with the Spanish style Mazurka ‘Chocolate’, ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ and a stunning ‘Trepak’ taken at breakneck speed.
Rodney Newton’s arrangement of ‘Gaudete’ saw the percussion section in particular producing sterling work - not often you hear a melody split between timpani and tubular bells!
The ‘Little Drummer Boy’ in the style of a military patrol came across well, and the audience joined in heartily in ‘Hark the Herald’. Light relief came with the reading of ‘Children’s Christmas in Scunthorpe’ before the first half ended with Stephen Bulla’s ‘A Christmas Suite’.
A measured rendition of ‘The Carollers’ opened the second half, followed by ‘Dance of the Goblets’ from Swan Lake, arranged by Keith Manners, a former director of the Essex Police Band, which Stuart Watts gleefully informed the audience was not a silver band or a brass band, but a copper band!
Bones Apart returned with a vigorous version of (Faure’s) ‘Il set ne le divin Enfant’ and a sensitive account of Peter Warlock’s carol ‘Bethlehem Down’. An attractive item by Arthur Sullivan in the style of a Victorian parlour song preceded two arrangements by Roger Trigg, ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Winter Wonderland’ - the latter somehow managing to conjure up the effect of a full big band from the four players.
Kenneth Downie’s somewhat melancholy setting of ‘Bleak Midwinter’ was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the evening, with its spare textures and distinctive harmonic shifts. ‘Carol of the Bells’ and ‘Christmas Greeting’ preceded more audience participation in ‘O Come all ye Faithful’.
There was some nicely sustained playing in ‘O Magnum Mysterium’, with an impressive sound when the whole band entered.
Mark Freeh’s setting of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ drew proceedings nicely to a close.
Concert at Canford School
By Bruce Harding
Wessex area British Trombone Society representative
The Trombonist magazine, Autumn 2012
'Trombones To The Fore'
Four trombones in concert is unusual. Four female trombonists in concert is unique.
Earlier this year, the Canford School music faculty played host to a stunning performance given by the four girls of Bones Apart - Becky Smith, Jayne Murrill, Helen Vollam and Lorna McDonald.
They arrived at the school earlier in the day in time to give a masterclass to around 20 of the music students. After the concert, the Head of Music, Christopher Sparkhall, said: "I am delighted to have welcomed Bones Apart to Canford and we have been dazzled by their technique and artistic virtuosity - it was a thoroughly enjoyable programme which explored a wide variety of musical styles."
The two-hour programme included the girls' own arrangements of Bizet's Carmen Suite, Purcell's Indian Queen, also a selection of Bernstein and Gershwin music. The concert concluded with their own arrangement of J.P.Sousa's march, Stars and Stripes Forever, with a tenor trombone putting in the piccolo part with infinite delicacy.
This was a fine concert performed impeccably well by four trombonists at the top of their game.
Chicago College of Performing Arts
4 April 2012
By Jay Friedman
Principal Trombone, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The recent concert in Chicago by Bones Apart proved once again that a trombone quartet can be musically and technically world class and at the same time provide wonderful entertainment for even non-trombonists. What a show! Don't miss them.
Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury
10 October 2011
By Daniel Harding
Deputy Director of University Music
University of Kent
A Class Apart: trombone quartet are top brass
Celebrating a decade of support from Furley Page Solicitors, this year’s Lunchtime Concert season got off to an heraldic start with a visit from the award-winning trombone quartet, Bones Apart.
A well-conceived programme blended an array of musical styles, all inspired by the works of Shakespeare, ranging from the Baroque to Bernstein. Three movements from Purcell’s The Fairie Queen opened the concert, including a light-footed arrangement of the ‘Chaconne.’ There was also some warm, lyrical playing in Mendelssohn’s incidental music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with the melody originally appearing in the French horn in the orchestral version here beguilingly played by Jayne Murrill.
The group showed their sassier side with Duke Ellington’s jazzy Such Sweet Thunder, which had the group demonstrating a deft, rhythmic jazz feel and crafted wah-wah mute-playing, all solidly underpinned by Lorna Macdonald. The ensemble then showed some astonishingly deft playing in Tchaikovsky’s incidental music to Hamlet.
Written for an RSC production, Jason Carr’s Poem Unlimited combined five separate motives, each reperesenting one aspect of Polonius’ famous pompous litany of theatrical characteristics, where each facet – comedy, historical, romance, tragedy – was given a separate thematic idea, all woven together. The piece had great rhythmic vitality and some richly colourful sonorities.
A luminary of British jazz, the late John Dankworth’s ‘If Music Be The Food of Love,’ demonstrated a wonderfully lyrical, jazz flavour in an arrangement by Helen Vollam, apparently done with the blessing of the great man himself who came to hear its first performance: an accolade indeed.
The group finished with two pieces from Bernstein’s West Side Story; ‘One Hand, One Heart’ had a rapt audience holding its breath as the group wove a magically lyrical portrayal of the doomed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, an intimacy then thoroughly and riotously dispelled with ‘Gee, Officer Krupke,’ which was brash, lightning-fast and delivered with great panache, awash with glissandi to the delight of an enthralled crowd.
The players were on magnificent form, demonstrating some virtuosic skills combined with instinctive ensemble playing that had the four players working as one. A magnificent way to begin the new season and to celebrate ten years of music-making with Furley Page: top brass.
Muso Magazine Interview
Muso Magazine - Dec 10/Jan 11 (Issue 50)
MM: The quartet has just celebrated it's 10th anniversary; how has the ensemble developed over the last decade?
BA: In the last few years our musicianship as a group has developed immensely. We have worked hard to focus on sound and blend, as well as exploring all styles of music. In 2008 Bones Apart was the first brass ensemble to be selected for Music In The Round (a chamber music festival based in Sheffield). We have recorded two CDs, one of original works, 'four4four', and a special 10th anniversary CD of the group's favourite pieces over the years, 'ten'. We have also extensively toured Europe, Japan and the US, giving recitals and masterclasses. Touring is always great fun!
MM: Has your line-up changed in this time?
BA: Becky Smith is the only original member from when the group formed in 1999. Outside the quartet she enjoys a busy freelance career, working with the London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. Lorna McDonald joined as the group's bass trombone player in 2002, bringing with her a wealth of experience, particularly in jazz and early music. She is also a member of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and is a fantastic arranger. Helen Vollam joined in 2007, but had deputised in the group for some years before. She arranges much of the ensemble's repertoire. Helen is principal trombone of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Jayne Murrill is the most recent addition to the group, joining in 2008. She freelances in the London orchestras and is musical director of East London Brass as well as principal trombone of Redbridge Brass Band.
MM: Do you tire of the attention you receive for being an all-female trombone quartet? BA: We never tire of any attention! We appreciate that four female trombonists is still an unusual sight, but hope that when audiences hear us perform they enjoy what we do and enjoy the versatility of the trombone.
MM: Are there preconceptions about women brass players in the 21st century?
BA: Not at all, thanks to wonderful players like trumpet soloist Alison Balsom, trombonist Katy Jones and horn player Angela Barnes (LSO), and tuba player Carol Jantsch (Philadelphia Orchestra). The list goes on...!
MM: Is it difficult to source repertoire for the trombone quartet format?
BA: There are a number of original works for trombone quartet, but few are accessible to most audiences. We arrange a lot of our own repertoire. When we did the Music In The Round tour we based our programme on music inspired by the plays of Shakespeare. This worked incredibly well, with music by Mendelssohn, Tim Jackson, Duke Ellington, Bernstein and Sir John Dankworth. The audiences really loved it!
MM: What are you doing to raise the profile of the trombone?
BA: We are actively commissioning new works for the group. We had two new pieces written especially for our 10th anniversary tour, one by Matthew Taylor and another by Dan Jenkins. The trombone already has a great orchestral and jazz profile, and Christian Lindberg has transformed the solo repertoire. We want to develop the trombone into having a real role in chamber music. And of course there is always the comical side of the instrument, which never ceases to please!
MM: Sum up your ethos as a group in one sentence.
BA: If we can enthuse people to listen to, or take part in any kind of music, then we are hopefully helping to secure music's invaluable place in all our lives.
International Trombone Festival - Austin, Texas
July 2010
By Micah Everett
ITA Journal
Bones Apart demonstrated not only wondrously clean, clear and full trombone playing (how do they produce such a well-blended sound all the time?!), but also showed a special blend of humility and charisma in their interactions with the audience. The group's fantastic performance featured a number of pieces organised around a Shakespeare theme.
CD - ten
8 June 2010
By Bob Hughes
President of the British Trombone Society
Former Bass Trombone, London Symphony Orchestra
THIS latest CD from Bones Apart celebrates the 10th anniversary of the group's formation. Despite numerous changes in personnel over the years Bones Apart have proved through the highest artistic standards and excellent marketing that it is possible to thrive as a highly successful trombone quartet. The group's previous four albums have attracted the highest accolades worldwide and I predict that this fifth album will also receive great reviews.
The music on this disc is on the lighter side and has all been arranged by members of the group and some illustrious friends eg. Richard Cheetham, Roger Harvey, John Challis and Simon Wills. The CD has been expertly engineered and produced by Tom Watson. The quality of the recording has both clarity and resonance.
The playing throughout, as you might expect, is top drawer stuff. Not only is it technically highly impressive and polished, the musicianship is of the highest order. Naturally sensitive phrasing and blend of ensemble is evident throughout this disc.
My personal highlights are the Three Gershwin Preludes, the imaginative use of harmon mutes in the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Helen's seductive playing on My Funny Valentine.
This recording stands up to some serious listening. On the other hand if you'd like some easy listening music to accompany your Spaghetti Bolognese put it on as you crack open the Chianti!
CD - four4four
10 November 2009
By Joseph Alessi
Principal Trombone, New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Bones Apart has done it again! The playing on this CD is first class. I really enjoyed the blend, balance, and terrific musicianship. Very inspiring. I highly recommend this cd to all. Bravissima!
By Eric Ewazen
Composer
I just heard your truly beautiful recording of Myths and Legends! It is really spectacular! Each movement had such a wonderful musicality and excitement. I loved the dramatic intensity and wonderful resonance with which you played the first movement, with your kaleidoscopic colors throughout. Your gorgeous blend, and chorale-like sound in the second movement was simply gorgeous, and your singing and expressive interpretation of all the melodies made the music so powerful! The third movement was wonderfully playful, and all the lines so crystal clear. And the final movement danced perfectly. In the virtuoso solo passages, your playing was dazzling!
My heartfelt thanks to each of you for this lovely gift!
It means SO much to a composer to have their music played and recorded with such care, such fantastic attention to detail, and such beauty!!!
All my best to you from New York City!
Royal Northern College of Music
26 October 2009
By John Miller
Director of Brass Studies, RNCM
BONES Apart visited the RNCM in October this year in commemoration of 10 years since they started here. In their concert they showed the RNCM brass students just how things should be done, with a flawless concert, demonstrating perfect balance, intonation, and their wonderful musical versatility. The communication with the RNCM trombone choirs who then played to them was highly educational, and highly infectious. The place has buzzed with enthusiasm ever since their visit. A wonderful example to any young group who are wondering where to go in their musical life.
CD - four4four
4 Bars Rest
17 September 2009
By Christopher Thomas
Take four girls on four trombones and see what they get up to. Slick, polished and entertaining that's what.
four4four
Bones Apart
Given the number of ensembles and chamber groups that come and go over the years, it's very much to the credit of Bones Apart that the pioneering all girl champions of the trombone quartet are still going strong in this, the group's tenth anniversary year.
Changes
True, there have been one or two personnel changes over that first decade, but the objectives of the ensemble remain the same; to develop the trombone as an instrument in a chamber music environment, to further grow the now expanding repertoire for trombone quartet and to educate via a range of projects and school workshops that have always remained central to the quartet's activities.
Successful
Comprising Becky Smith, Jayne Murrill (familiar to brass band enthusiasts as the Principal Trombone player with Redbridge Brass and conductor of East London Brass), Helen Vollam and Lorna Mc Donald, the members of the group all enjoy successful freelance careers but still find time to devote to touring and recording with the group, the release of this new CD being timed to coincide with a tenth anniversary tour that takes Bones Apart to various parts of the country including the RNCM and RSAMD during October 2009.
Classics
Unlike the group's last CD of a couple of years ago Enigma, which predominantly featured arrangements of well know classics, Four 4 Four concentrates on four original and largely light hearted works, three of which are by British trombonist/composers and the fourth, Myths and Legends, by respected American composer Eric Ewazen.
Title track
The piece that lends its title to the disc, Brian Lynn's 'Four 4 Four', is one of a substantial handful of original pieces and arrangements that the bass trombonist wrote during his period of involvement with John Kenny's Taverner's Trombones.
It comprises four short, contrasting movements, the first of which is constructed around syncopated rhythmic patterns, followed by a more darkly honed blues, jazzy waltz and a final movement that after an initial fanfare, concludes with a series of somewhat tongue in cheek exercises in slurring - the result of Lynn having spent many hours engaged in 'incessant slur practising' with Dudley Bright.
The fact that Bones Apart can entertain with lip slurs to the degree that they do here has got to say something for the talents of the players involved!
Deprecating
Simon Wills' rather self deprecating description of his 'Sonata' as a 'little jeu d'esprit that hardly merits the attention the dismal musicologists' belies what is actually a substantial piece, the weight of which rests on a darkly sonorous, funereal slow movement (echoes of the austerity of the central movement of Heaton's 'Contest Music' here) that is thrown out of kilter part way through by a somewhat grotesque waltz.
With outer movements that are by turns witty and quirky in equal measure, Bones Apart capture the changing moods of the music with consummate skill, by turns rich and atmospheric in the central movement whilst demonstrating impressive rhythmic agility and technical control in the deceptively demanding third movement.
Myths and Legends
Eric Ewazen's 'Myths and Legends' might initially point towards a more overtly American language, but the piece is surprisingly romantic in the gentle and affecting chorale that forms the second movement, once again sensitively captured and coloured by the gloriously balanced sounds of the ensemble.
The high spirits of the final movement allow each member of the ensemble ample opportunity to demonstrate individual ability, with Bones Apart taking full advantage in a display of impressive virtuosic prowess.
Odd work out
Dan Jenkins' 'Cold Tea, Toast and Marmalade' is in some ways the odd work out, being a single movement five minute piece constructed around the sleazy bass trombone riff heard immediately in the opening bar.
Lorna McDonald is the star here in what amounts to a bass trombone feature, her darkly hued tones being eminently (but perhaps alarmingly!) suited to Jenkins portrait of his apparently dingy student digs whilst studying at the Guildhall School of Music in the 1980s.
It's squalid stuff, as reminiscent of smoky, possibly rather suspect jazz bars as it is of the uniquely stale aroma of student lodgings, although it's a scene the girls of Bones Apart can clearly associate with, given the atmosphere of the performance captured here.
Top form
All in all, this is Bones Apart on top form in a programme of original music that engages and entertains in equal measure.
The playing is never less than slick, polished and technically assured, whilst the quality of the recording is every bit as slick as the playing.
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
By Kevin Price, Head of Brass
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
February 2009
Bones Apart represents all that is best about British brass playing, with a beauty of sound and musicality that is simply stunning. They communicate with passion and humour and serve as wonderful ambassadors for the trombone.
Music in the Round - Sheffield
By Bernard Lee
Sheffield Telegraph
November 2008
Music by Gounod, Debussy and Mendelssohn may seem unlikely material for four trombones but this highly accomplished all-female quartet demonstrated it was not in their Shakespeare-inspired concert.The tonal variety and pliancy of musical line produced by three tenor trombones and one bass trombone was quite astonishing at times.
The four items from Gounod's Romeo and Juliet judiciously avoided outright vocal items and were highly persuasive because of the attributes mentioned, as was Four Songs from Romeo and Juliet, an original four-trombone work by Tim Jackson, so, too, three extracts from Bernstein's West Side Story which couldn't avoid vocal items, but they worked.
Four pieces from Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream music, including the Nocturne, came off well as did, more obviously, Debussy's Fanfare for King Lear and, less obviously, a rather lovely Touch her Soft Lips and Part from Walton's Henry V music.
Jason Carr's Poem Unlimited, an original work after Hamlet, proved to be an enjoyable jazz-inflected piece, heralding Duke Ellington's Such Sweet Thunder and John Dankworth/ Cleo Laine's If Music Be the Food of Love, both from celebrated Shakespeare jazz albums.
An encore, Gee, Officer Krupke (West Side Story) was deliciously rhythmic and lost nothing in 'translation' – indeed, could almost be said to have gained from it.
Dolgellau Music Club, Gwynedd
By Ben Ridler
October 2007
At its usual venue, the resonant hall of Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, the new Music Club season got off to a suitably ebullient start on Friday 5th October with an impressive recital by the all-female trombone quartet Bones Apart. Some may have had concerns beforehand as to whether an ensemble of this kind would produce enough variety to sustain a whole concert programme, but any such unease was quickly dispelled. With weight and contrast being provided by the bass trombone (played by Lorna McDonald), the three tenor trombones (played by Helen Vollam, Becky Smith and Jayne Murrill) wove together a fascinating range of sonorities, and a well-judged programme kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
Russian and American music predominated, and Glinka’s ‘Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila’, in a newly made arrangement by Helen Vollam, established from the outset the group’s technical proficiency. (Most of the pieces played were in arrangements made by and for the quartet). American trombonist Eric Ewazen was the composer of the mellifluous ‘Myths and Legends’; more familiar territory was reached with a selection from Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker Suite’, the highlight of which was a hilarious rendering, ‘wah-wah’ mutes and all, of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies. From this point onwards the audience was completely won over, and showed its appreciation enthusiastically at the end of the first half in response to the wild, even savage sounds produced in the course of Khatchaturian’s ‘Sabre Dance’.
‘Leave them wanting more’ is a well-tried nostrum, and if there were to be a criticism of the programme it would be that some of the shorter pieces finished just as expectations (e.g. to hear more of Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures’) were being aroused. But this was very much a fault on the right side, and the mixture in the second half of items by Prokofiev, Shostakovitch, Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart and Jerome Kern built on the success of the first. The sheer range of sounds created, encompassing effects that were in turn mellow, lyrical, rumbustuous and (where appropriate) vulgar, continued to dazzle and delight. The laid-back mood of the encore, a version of Jimmy van Heusen’s ‘Here’s that Rainy Day, brought the evening to a reflective and satisfying conclusion.