12 – Interview with David Ohanian and Norman Bolter: Empire Brass Quintet, “The American Brass Band Journal” Albums

The Early American Brass Band Podcast

Episode 12 is a great conversation with David Ohanian (French horn) and Norman Bolter (trombone), both former members of the Empire Brass Quintet. We talk about their two albums of 19th century brass band music - The American Brass Band Journal, and The American Brass Band Journal Revisited - the recording and origins of these albums. Both Norman and David offer their thoughts on a range of other topics, including brass playing today, and performing on period instruments vs. modern instruments.

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

• 0:00 - 1:50 - Introduction

• 1:50 - 4:23 - Brass Band Journal and Stratton Military Band Journal information

• 4:23 - 11:03 - Interview with David Ohanian and Norman Bolter. How the Empire Brass Quintet got started, and how these projects developed

• 11:03 - 13:40 - Period instruments vs. modern instruments for these albums

• 13:40 - 15:37 - Brass music from before the 19th century

• 15:37 - 19:27 - Structure of the two albums

• 19:27 - 24:05 - How additional musicians were chosen for the recordings and how Frederick Fennell got involved with the Revisited album

• 24:05 -27:52 - Norman's experiences recording these albums, and Rolf Smedvig's influence on Empire projects. Story from Tanglewood

• 27:52 - 31:10 - Reception of the albums and playing the Brass Band Journal music live

• 31:10 - 37:15 - More stories from recording sessions from both Norman and David

• 37:15 - 45:42 - Working with Frederick Fennell on the Revisited album

• 45:42 - 49:48 - Clarifying the history of the Empire Brass Quintet

• 49:48 - 52:39 - CD re-release information

• 52:39 - 56:24 - Thoughts on the album today

• 56:24 - 1:04:07 - Thoughts on period instruments and performances of music from the 19th century.

• 1:04:07 - 1:10:35 - General thoughts on brass playing

• 1:10:35 - 1:13:06 - Wrap up, where you can find David and Norman.

• 1:13:06 - 1:14:41 - Featured Album: The American Brass Band Journal, The American Brass Band Journal Revisited, The Empire Brass Quintet