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PRISM

Alias Brass
Jonathan Bhatia trumpet
T.J. Tesh trumpet
Natalie Brooke Higgins horn
Timothy Dueppen trombone
Clayton Maddox tuba

Release Date: September 8, 2023
Catalog #: BR8981
Format: Digital
21st Century
Chamber
Jazz
Trombone
Trumpet

When thinking of versatile instrumental setups, the brass quintet might not be the first thing that comes to mind. A grave oversight, according to Alias Brass Company, an all-American brass ensemble which aims to change any such preconceived notions with their vibrant renditions of highly diverse and inclusive music on PRISM from Big Round Records.

The versatility in terms of style, mood, and genre is absolutely stunning, whether it’s a film soundtrack (Gabriel’s Oboe, Over the Rainbow), an obelisk of Baroque music (J.S. Bach’s Little Fugue in G Minor), a Christian hymn (Amazing Grace) or a blues standard (St. James Infirmary), the Alias Brass Company navigates the territory with mesmerizing panache. Audacious and bold!

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Track Listing & Credits

# Title Composer Performer
01 It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing Duke Ellington; arr. David Kosmyna Alias Brass | T.J. Tesh, trumpet; Jonathan Bhatia, trumpet; Natalie Brooke Higgins, horn; Timothy Dueppen, trombone; Clayton Maddox, tuba 2:56
02 Adoration Florence Price; arr. Jonathan Bhatia Alias Brass | Jonathan Bhatia, rotary trumpet; T.J. Tesh, trumpet; Natalie Brooke Higgins, horn; Timothy Dueppen, trombone; Clayton Maddox, tuba 3:19
03 Little Fugue in G Minor Johann Sebastian Bach; trans. Ronald Romm Alias Brass | Jonathan Bhatia, Eb trumpet; T.J. Tesh, trumpet; Natalie Brooke Higgins, horn; Timothy Dueppen, trombone; Clayton Maddox, tuba 3:39
04 Vuelta del Fuego Kevin McKee Alias Brass | Jonathan Bhatia, trumpet; T.J. Tesh, trumpet; Natalie Brooke Higgins, horn; Timothy Dueppen, trombone; Clayton Maddox, tuba 7:34
05 Quintet Michael Kamen Featuring Natalie Brooke Higgins, horn; Alias Brass | T.J. Tesh, trumpet; Jonathan Bhatia, trumpet; Natalie Brooke Higgins, horn; Timothy Dueppen, trombone; Clayton Maddox, tuba 4:13
06 Amazing Grace Traditional; arr. Luther Henderson Featuring Jonathan Bhatia, trumpet; Alias Brass | Jonathan Bhatia, trumpet; T.J. Tesh, G trumpet; Natalie Brooke Higgins, horn; Timothy Dueppen, trombone; Clayton Maddox, tuba 4:24
07 Over the Rainbow Harold Arlen; arr. Phil Snedecor Featuring T.J. Tesh, flugelhorn; Alias Brass | T.J. Tesh, flugelhorn; Jonathan Bhatia, trumpet; Natalie Brooke Higgins, horn; Timothy Dueppen, trombone; Clayton Maddox, tuba 4:13
08 St. James Infirmary Traditional; arr. Luther Henderson Featuring Timothy Dueppen, trombone; Alias Brass | Jonathan Bhatia, trumpet; T.J. Tesh, trumpet and G trumpet; Natalie Brooke Higgins, horn; Timothy Dueppen, trombone; Clayton Maddox, tuba 4:59
09 Gabriel’s Oboe Ennio Morricone; arr. Jonathan Bhatia Featuring Clayton Maddox, tuba; Alias Brass | Jonathan Bhatia, flugelhorn; T.J. Tesh, flugelhorn; Natalie Brooke Higgins, horn; Timothy Dueppen, trombone; Clayton Maddox, tuba 3:07
10 Carmen Suite Georges Bizet; arr. Madeline Lee Alias Brass | T.J. Tesh, trumpet; Jonathan Bhatia, trumpet; Natalie Brooke Higgins, horn; Timothy Dueppen, trombone; Clayton Maddox, tuba 3:43
11 Dance Wilke Renwick Alias Brass | T.J. Tesh, trumpet; Jonathan Bhatia, trumpet; Natalie Brooke Higgins, horn; Timothy Dueppen, trombone; Clayton Maddox, tuba 1:18

Recorded June 13-16, 2022 in Hall Recital Hall at the University of Nevada, Reno NV
Producer Bradley Palmer
Assistant Producer Natalie Brooke Higgins
Additional Production by Jonathan Bhatia
Recording Session Engineers Tom Gordon, Cole Peck
Editing Bradley Palmer, Natalie Brooke Higgins
Mixing and Mastering Tom Gordon for Imirage Sound Lab
Technical Supervisor Raymundo Silva

Executive Producer Bob Lord

A&R Director Brandon MacNeil
A&R Danielle Sullivan

VP of Production Jan Košulič
Audio Director Lucas Paquette

VP, Design & Marketing Brett Picknell
Art Director Ryan Harrison
Design Edward A. Fleming
Publicity Aidan Curran

Artist Information

Alias Brass

Alias Brass

Ensemble

Described as “the only name for music innovation” by Martin Hackleman, formerly of the Empire and Canadian Brass, the Alias Brass, founded in 2013, is a collaboration of five uniquely talented artists and educators from across the nation. Alias Brass’ performances are comprised of standards and original compositions, along with concepts that blend virtuosic musicianship with a high level of entertainment. From Baroque and Classical, to Jazz and Pop, Alias Brass’ shows are “a sure-fire hit; chamber music of the future with something for everyone!”

Learn More

Jonathan Bhatia

trumpet

Jonathan Bhatia is the Lecturer of Music in Trumpet at the University of Nevada, Reno Department of Music, Second Trumpet of the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, trumpet and founding member of both the Alias Brass Company and BrassHaus Duo, and a Yamaha Young Performing Artist and Educator. Bhatia has performed in various venues and competitions across the globe. He was a prizewinner at the International Prize Competition in Tuscany, Italy, a featured artist at the 2017 International Trumpet Guild Conference in Hershey PA, and a contributing artist at the 2017 International Horn Symposium in Natal, Brazil.

In addition to currently holding the position of Second Trumpet with the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, Bhatia has held positions with the Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra as their tenured Principal Trumpet, the American Youth Symphony as their second trumpet, and was fortunate enough to play alongside Icelandic composer Johann Johannsson in a live performance of The Miners’ Hymn which was featured in the Los Angeles Times’ “List of the Best 25 Classical Moments of 2014.” Bhatia has also performed with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Brass, Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, Modern Brass Quintet, Great Basin Brass, Susanville Symphony Orchestra, Brazos Valley Symphony, Symphony of Southeast Texas, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Ballet, Southeast Symphony, and the All-Star Brass.

Bhatias flair for trumpet solo performance has earned him numerous appearances with ensembles of varying size and scope. He was featured as a soloist with the Nevada Wind Ensemble, University of California, Los Angeles’ Philharmonia, the Debut Orchestra for their 60th Gala Celebration, and the “Soul of the City” concert series in Beaumont TX with the Lamar University Brass Ensemble.

As a recording artist, Bhatia has been featured on National Public Radio, can be heard playing on various films including the animated feature film Duck Duck Goose, Jens Lindemann’s album Northern Lights, the recently released Sierra Brass Quintet album, and various recorded performances on his YouTube channel he shares with hornist Natalie Brooke Higgins, the BrassHaus Network.

An award nominated educator, Bhatia educates undergraduate and graduate music performance and music education trumpet students weekly through applied lessons, studio classes, and chamber ensemble coachings. He can also be found making numerous performance and masterclass appearances across the globe as a soloist or with such ensembles as the Alias Brass Company and BrassHaus Duo. Prior to his appointment at the University of Nevada, Reno, Bhatia was the Instructor of Music in Trumpet at Lamar University, a Texas State University, where he increased the size of the Lamar University Trumpet Studio from nine to a peak of 23 students, and provided them with numerous performance opportunities, including an appearance at the 2018 International Trumpet Guild Conference in San Antonio TX.

Bhatia holds two degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles where he studied with Jens Lindemann and Tom Hooten. Additional mentors include Mark Hughes and Rob Roy McGregor.

Bhatia plays exclusively on Yamaha instruments.

website: www.jonbhatia.com | photo by Oriana Layendecker

T.J. Tesh

trumpet

Dr. T.J. Tesh joined The University of Southern Mississippi’s faculty in August of 2016 where he now serves as Associate Professor of Trumpet, Undergraduate Coordinator, and Associate Director for Student Services in the School of Music. Tesh also serves on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the International Trumpet Guild. Tesh relocated to Mississippi after an exciting and successful career as a freelance trumpeter and music educator in the Los Angeles area. A Yamaha Performing Artist and Pickett Brass Artist, Tesh has enjoyed an eclectic performance career, having performed with music legends like Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Patti Austin, Take 6, Quincy Jones, Dave Koz, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, and many others.

Prior to leaving Los Angeles, Tesh recorded, toured, and performed around the globe for three years as a member of the internationally-celebrated brass quintet, Presidio Brass. Tesh has also toured and performed throughout the United States and Canada with Victory Brass, the Southern Arts Brass Quintet, and with Mel Brooks’ Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, The Producers, where he served as principal trumpet. Tesh is currently a member of the Alias Brass Company and principal trumpet in the Meridian and Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestras. His debut solo recording, Adaptations for Trumpet, was released in November of 2017.

Tesh received a Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2020, having previously completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Trumpet Performance at The University of Southern California in 2012, his Master of Music in Trumpet Performance at The University of Kentucky in 2004, and his Bachelor of Arts in Music at Mars Hill College in 2002.

website: www.tjtesh.com | photo by Oriana Layendecker

Natalie Brooke Higgins

Natalie Brooke Higgins

horn

Natalie Brooke Higgins, D.M.A., a prize-winning horn performer and educator, is currently Assistant Professor of Horn at the University of Nevada, Reno, founding member of both the Alias Brass Company and BrassHaus, affiliate artist and tour manager of the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, and executive board member and media coordinator for the International Horn Competition of America. Based on her innovative achievements, service to her community, and commitment to inspire the next generation of musicians and music educators, she has been recognized as one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 under 40 honorees, a feature that celebrates the best and brightest in business, government, nonprofits, education, healthcare, banking, and professional sports.

As a performer, Higgins has been featured in concert series and clinics across the country, has been a featured artist at the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Hershey PA, and has participated as a contributing artist at the International Horn Symposium in Natal, Brazil. She is a prizewinner of the International Winds, Brass, and Percussion Enkor Competition, winner of both the Music Teachers National Association State and Regional Young Artist Brass Competitions, and finalist of the National Round, and winner of the St. Louis Artist Presentation Series. Higgins has also performed with such ensembles as the Reno Philharmonic, Reno Chamber Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, South Dakota Symphony, Southwest Florida Symphony, Symphony of Southeast Texas, Macon Pops, St. Joseph Symphony, American Festival Orchestra, Banff Festival Orchestra, and Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

As an educator, Higgins has instructed and adjudicated throughout North America. In addition to her current university post, she has held the positions of Assistant Professor of Horn at the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music and Adjunct Professor of horn and high brass methods at Missouri Western State University. Higgins was a featured artist at Lamar University’s Brass Festival, Southeast Missouri State’s Horn Day, and has given clinics and performances at such workshops as the International Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, Missouri Music Educators Association Conference, Oklahoma Horn Day, Southeast Horn Workshop, and the Western Horn Workshop.

As an administrator and artistic innovator, Higgins co-founded the Schwob Summer Music Festival, the Kansas City Horn Club, and has held positions as the George Mason University Symphony Orchestra and Library Manager, The Gluck Foundation Chamber Music Program Coordinator, and the Gluck Foundation Music Partnership Coordinator.

Higgins received her Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, Masters of Music from George Mason University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles. She has studied with many internationally recognized and accomplished brass performers and teachers, among them Martin Hackleman, Chris Cooper, Brian O’Connor, Pete Nowlen, Jens Lindemann, and Patrick Sheridan.

website: www.nataliebrookehiggins.com | photo by Oriana Layendecker

Timothy Dueppen

Timothy Dueppen

trombone

International performing and recording trombonist Timothy Dueppen is in demand across North and South America for his work both on stage and as a music educator. As a performer, Dueppen is known for his smooth sound, vibrant musicality, and ability to perform everything from Jazz to Baroque music. He has toured with John Marcellus in New York and Pennsylvania, including performances at Carnegie Hall in New York City and the National Presbyterian Cathedral in Washington DC. Additionally, he was a member of the international brass quintet Metales M5 and toured extensively throughout North and South America.

He is a proud founding member of the Alias Brass Company, a professional touring brass quintet that recently returned from international performance tours in Brazil and Canada, and national level performances in nearly every state in the United States. Former Canadian and Empire Brass Hornist Martin Hackelman has written that Alias’ performances contain “not only virtuosic playing, but humor, passion and action as well. Alias Brass is one of the freshest chamber groups out there.”

Dueppen has made appearances on international television for his performances in Colombia, Canada, and the United States. In 2017, his brass trio, the Tephra Collective, released their first international album Distorted Mirrors to rave reviews. Dueppen is also an active freelance trombonist in the United States and has performed with jazz greats Horace Silver, John Clayton, Bill Watrous, Kenny Burrell, Bill Evans, and others. He has also performed with numerous pop icons in stage performances including a 2015 performance with superstar Frankie Valli. Additionally, Dueppen has made recordings for the Disney Corporation and recorded music for the 2011 Miss USA Pageant. Serving as Assistant Professor of Music in trombone at Lamar University’s Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music since 2014, Dueppen has built a strong reputation as a pedagogue across North and South America. He has also given master classes at numerous colleges, universities, and secondary schools, including at the International Festival of Music in Cartagena, Colombia.

Dueppen has played with the Houston Symphony (as a member of Virtuosi of Houston), Disney Jazz Band, Opera Pasadena Festival Orchestra, Golden States Pops Orchestra, Lone Star Lyric Opera, Intermountain Opera Orchestra, Montana Ballet Orchestra, Bozeman Symphony, Rapides Symphony, and others. He is currently Principal Trombonist with the Symphony of Southeast Texas and has performed as a jazz soloist with the symphony and with members of the symphony in its “SOST on the Town” series. He is a performing artist sponsored by the Denis Wick Company based out of London, and presents for the corporation at numerous events, including the Midwest Clinics in Chicago and the Texas Music Educators Convention in San Antonio. Dueppen is also a performing artist for BAC Custom Trombones based out of Kansas City, and is currently helping in the design of a new trombone model that fuses innovative design and the ability to perform in styles such as jazz, chamber music, and orchestral repertoire. He is proud to currently perform as a member of the Lamar Faculty Brass Quintet, the Tephra Collective, the Symphony of Southeast Texas, the Alias Brass Company, and serves as Director of Music at historic St. Anthony’s Cathedral Basilica.

website: www.trombonetim.com | photo by Oriana Layendecker

Clayton Maddox

Clayton Maddox

tuba

Clayton Maddox is a native of South Bay FL. He is an active soloist, chamber artist, and educator. He currently holds the post of Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium and Assistant Director of Bands at the University of South Alabama and Tubist of the Alias Brass Company.

Clayton has competed in several international competitions such as the Leonard Falcone International Solo Artist Competition and the International Tuba Association Solo Artist Competition. He is a founding member of the Boreas Quartet, which debuted its first album, The Serpent’s Kiss, and has since received the Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in Recording from the International Tuba and Euphonium Association. He is also the music director of the Backburner Tuba and Euphonium Collective.

As an in demand soloist, Clayton has traveled to Tokyo, Japan to perform a solo recital at Yamaha Ginza Headquarters and Sapporo, Japan where he performed a recital at the historic Sapporo Clock Tower. He has performed with several professional orchestras such as the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony, and Orquesta de Sinfónica in Monterrey, Mexico.

He holds degrees from the University of Alabama, the University of Memphis, and Louisiana State University. His primary teachers have included Demondrae Thurman, Paul Weikle, James Jenkins, Kevin Sanders, and Joseph Skillen.

website: www.claytonmaddox.com | photo by Oriana Layendecker