CD Review – Life Abundant – Philip Cobb
(Published in The Brass Herald)

The distinct sound of trumpeter Philip Cobb has begun to command the respect of musicians throughout the brass spectrum. So does listening to Philip's inaugural solo album 'Life Abundant' justify this mounting reputation?

Philip hails from quite a pedigree of musicianship with both his Father and Grandfather having been Principal Cornet players with the International Staff Band and Bandmasters of Hendon Salvation Army Band.

Following on from this distinguished musical line, Philip became Principal Cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain at the age of 15 and was the first member of the Band to win the Harry Mortimer Soloist Prize on three consecutive occasions. It was during this time that I first heard Philip play and I was delighted to hear from his CD that he has not lost the crystal clear core sound that first made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end several years ago.

Right from the very first note of the opening track ('Trumpet Call' by Kenneth Downie) Philip displays a focus of tone and brilliance, delivering a fearless performance which sets the recording off to a majestic start. The enormous impact of the expert guidance of Paul Beniston and Alison Balsom (Philip's tutors at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama) is evident; turning a cornet protégée into a mature and well rounded trumpet soloist.

Next on the track list is the traditional Salvation Army melody, 'Someone Cares' from the pen of John Larsson. This is in complete contrast to the opening number and shows off the mellow shimmering sound of Philip's cornet playing.

The following four tracks again provide divergence this time on the piccolo trumpet; Telemann's taxing but beautifully lyrical 'Concerto in D major'. Tastefully accompanied on Organ by Benjamin Horden, these movements provide a real simplistic character, not over blemished, thus deceiving the listener into believing the piece is technically effortless. It was this natural rapport with the instrument that contributed to Philip being awarded the prize for Most Promising Performer at the prestigious Maurice André International Trumpet Competition held in Paris in November 2006. The clarity in the upper register and the compassionate melodic relationship between the trumpet and organ are a joy to hear.

Interestingly, since his appearance in the Maurice André competition Philip has appeared as a soloist at the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Boston, USA and has also given several solo recitals in Nuremberg, Germany.

The next three tracks all have something to offer; from the organic musicianship Philip exhibits in Edward Gregson's 'Before the Cross', to the technical fluency of Erik Leidzén's classic cornet solo 'Wondrous Day', on to 'Healing Waters' by Kenneth Downie in which Philip reveals again a level of expression which is far beyond his age of only twenty.

Kenny Baker's 'Virtuosity' takes us down yet another path of Philip's armoury as he embarks at a blistering pace and never ceases to gain momentum and intensity throughout. This is a wonderful change of style and Philip leaves us with a finish which most lead trumpet players would be proud of! A shame about the suspect recording edit in the opening few bars though.

'Don't Doubt Him Now' by Leonard Ballantine takes us back to the lyrical sonorous side of Philip's playing and his treatment of long notes in this piece is breathtaking; allowing space to change the character and emotion throughout.

It is worth mentioning that the band accompaniment is expertly provided by the warm but never overwhelming sound of the Cory Band under the direction of Philip's Father Dr. Stephen Cobb.

After the title track by Robert Redhead in which Philip demonstrates his pyrotechnical side and dynamic range, we move onto one of the highlights of the CD; Ivor Bosanko's 'Time and Eternity'. Here, Philip duets with renowned Euphonium Soloist Dr. Robert Childs whose deep vocal sound and respectful understanding really complements Philip's style and proves to be a great addition to the CD.

The final track on the album is Charpentier's Te Deum Prelude which Philip performs exquisitely on the piccolo trumpet and closes the recording with real panache.

In answer to my earlier question; yes, Philip has indeed lived up to his celebrated reputation. Some of the playing on this CD is just too difficult to quantify in words.