Summer Stars audience files in for the Imperial Brass. Paul Goldfinger photo.
Imperial Brass trombonist waits in the wings for the show to start. Paul Goldfinger photo.
Paul Goldfinger, MD. Editor Blogfinger.net. July 7, 2022.
This Summer Stars opening night concert was advertised as having the theme of “Americans We.” There was supposed to be music to fit that plan: “Patriotic, Broadway, Tin-Pan Alley and American Composers.” I was looking forward to each of those categories, but the program handed out at the door mentioned none of those promises, and the music barely acknowledged those themes.
The music selections were more the standard bill of fare of brass ensembles including the time-worn Bugler’s Holiday plus Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. The other selections included titles such as A Welsh Lullaby, Symphony of Marches, Sonata in D and even a piece by Richard Wagner.
But aside from those disappointing program changes, the Imperial Brass performed with impeccable skill as is their wont. I was mesmerized by their musicianship and their sound in that great wooden cello of a building, and especially happy to hear Ocean Grove’s Phillip Smith perform as cornet soloist for 3 selections.
I hope the Camp Meeting and Gordon Turk continue to bring this fine group back again and again. It is a level of professionalism which we enjoy so much in Ocean Grove, and it is good to hear music in the GA that isn’t only about religious subjects.
For the most part, secular programming has been abandoned in the Grove. I know that many still talk about how much they miss the days of Tony Bennett, Doo Wops, Beach Boys, Allentown Band, etc.
But nevertheless, the Camp Meeting has to be congratulated for carrying on the OG tradition of fine music going back to when Caruso appeared here.
Even though the program tonight was changed, it is always wonderful to hear the sound produced in the GA by musicians such as the Imperial Brass. And how lucky are we to have Gordon Turk, Ronald Naldi, and Jason Tramm. creating musical miracles each summer.
And don’t forget the Choir Festival this Sunday, July 10, at 7 PM. This remarkable event is a musical highlight in the Great Auditorium, and if you are new to town, you must go over just to hear the celestial sound created by Jason Tramm, the Ocean Grove Choir, professional singers and musicians, and don’t forget the Hope-Jones organ—not to be missed even if you just stop by to hear that sound.
Here is Phillip Smith on cornet from an album called “The World’s Greatest Hymns.” The piece is “Amazing Grace.”
Phillip Smith is formerly Principal Trumpet with the New York Philharmonic, and he returns each summer to his Ocean Grove home. And what a thrill it is to hear him right here in our musical backyard.