This collection of recordings Hickman has compiled are no different from several good trumpet soloists. His technique is there, his tone sounds like a carbon copy of any other trumpet soloist, and he lacks the unique expressions and stylistic ideas through phrases that draw in the listener. Sure, he plays the notes, and does all the correct things by reading the musical road map, but one could easily produce similar quality through the use of Finale or Sibelius.
Do not listen to this cd if you are looking for guidance on how to show expression in your playing, or how to make a piece of music your own unique interpretation. If you are looking for a trumpet player to listen to, look in the direction of Doc Severinsen, Wynton Marsallus, Philip Smith, or Allen Vizzutti.
November 6, 2007I'm sorry.. but I have to chuckle after reading these reviews. Serious trumpet players know David Hickman and his capabilities on the instrument, and, to be blunt, any comments that suggest that Hickman is "all technique" would be simply laughed at. He is a world-renowned performer and teacher who has done groundbreaking work with the Summit Brass and St. Louis Brass Quintet, not to mention on his numerous solo albums. Also, I suggest you look at the roster of his students at Arizona State University and write down some of the names. You'll see them again when they are successful orchestral players, chamber musicians, or solo artists.
Attacking the quality of Hickman's tone is pretty silly, anyway. If you've ever recorded an instrumental performance before, you know what I mean. Microphone placement and the acoustic quality of the venue (and many other things) make huge differences in how the recording will sound. It's not a good sound/bad sound issue; everyone's sound is different. Additionally, sound engineering technology today can make an 6th grader who started playing trumpet yesterday sound like Wynton Marsalis.
I apologize for not really reviewing the album (which is fantastic) here. Trumpeters, brass players, and all musicians would be doing themselves a favor to listen carefully to this album. Some fabulous and important trumpet repertoire being performed by world-class musicians.
August 23, 2006For a REAL trumpet player, search for Amanda Pepping's newest CD. She is truly amazing.
September 19, 2005 |  | Trumpet Student Must-have |  |
Serious high school and college trumpet players will be well served by owning this album. It contains several pieces with which you will spend a great deal of time during your studies, and gives you a clear, precise, and very musical account of them. The Kennan, Stevens, and Dello Joio are probably the most often performed works, but the other works on this album make a strong case for more inclusion on recitals as well.
David Hickman is an excellent player who makes every phrase and articulation clear to the listener. I don't advocate trying to make one's performane a carbon copy of Hickman's, but this CD is an excellent model from which to work, and the number of pieces contained on the album make it a good buy for anyone who is interested, and particularly those who plan to study seriously, the trumpet. October 4, 2000
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