Screamers (Circus Marches)

Fully Enjoyable!

This is an incredible CD. Talk about variety and non-stop march action! I DO NOT recommend blasting it at full volume to annoy the neighbors. Serious lawsuits could result.
First note that Sousa is not on here at all: Frederick Fennell and the Eastman Wind Ensemble have done a separate disc dedicated solely to Sousa called "Fennell conducts Sousa", which I myself, have reviewed.
The main march composers on this collection are Karl L. King, Henry Fillmore, and Edwin Franko Goldman. I can't think of a single march that I didn't like on this CD, though my favorites would have to be the Guadalcanal March (from the "Victory at Sea" soundtrack by Richard Rodgers), "Robinson's Grand Entrée" a wondrous circus march by King, and "Onward-Upward" by Edwin Franko Goldman.
The only non-American march on here is Kenneth J. Alford's "The Mad Major", and that is certainly no sin.
Five stars for this All-Star disc, rollicking, loud, and absolutely fun. Once again I would remind you to please be moderate in your enthusiasm: don't annoy the neighbors! August 27, 2007

Flashy, Fun, and Flamboyant

The Circus March is unfortunately a style of music that is often ignored, yet can be one of the most difficult things to play. Musicians almost have to have a feel for it to achieve the desired effect. Each march contained herein captures both excitement, showmanship, and even a certain degree of comedy that is associated with this style. Listening to these brings back a by-gone era of bearded ladies, roller coasters, and kettle corn. If you play this regularly, you may even begin to smell the peanuts roasting.... May 31, 2007

stunning musical review

This is music I have not heard, or played, for years. Most impressive musicianship. And the tempos are unbelievable! For this size group, it is amazing--and nothing less would be expected.

I am a retired music teacher, and this brought me back to the times when I played in large marching bands, or smaller groups for the local rodeo, as a college student. Great excitement in listening, and being swept away to a time when I had less to worry about.

The music itself has a great affect on me, besides the impressive way in which it is delivered. Great sound. Great precision. Great music that just isn't played or used much anymore. How fun to relive those moments--especially the ones featuring the trombone. September 27, 2005

Nice and lively!

I was specifically looking for music of the circus and this recording just blew me away. It is clean and well done -- technically speaking. The Eastman Wind Ensemble is spectacular! If you are looking for something that sounds like a circus band, this is NOT it. This is a very professional, high quality recording of some of the best march music ever composed. April 28, 2004

Sounds even better than when I first heard it

When I first heard the last eleven marches on this recording; I heard them on tape, and I really enjoyed them, this was back in 1988 when I was in the seventh grade. When I moved in the winter of 1988, I lost that tape. I was very sad when I did, and it was not until the summer of 2002 that I saw this recording at amazon; 14 years later still great, and sounds even better on CD than it did on tape. This time was even better, because it has even more marches, in the old tape, it had what on this recording are tracks 17-28. Tracks 1-16 are equally good, this recording is of a great sentimental value for me...I hope you enjoy as much as I have 14 years later.... March 1, 2004

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