OK, reviewing another CD about brass instruments.

I think this is about the third in a row--and I'm pretty sure my next review is also a disk featuring a trombonist. It's only natural, since I studied on the 'bone, right? This one is marketed under the title Beyond The End Of The Century, although I'll file it as Sonata For Trombone And Piano (At the end of the century) by Juraj Filas--not a clever pun, is it? It's another recital CD from Joseph Alessi and if you've been reading carefully, you'll know this isn't my first review of Mr. Alessi's recorded work.

It opens with an unaccompanied piece by Enrique Crespo which isn't a great work, but shows off Mr. Alessi's charm as a musician. The Filas sonata is well-crafted, but isn't terribly engaging and there are three other works for trombone and piano that are all roughly equal in quality--meaning you won't find your view of music changed forever after listening. There is a lovely treat in the middle of the disk: a "Concertino for Trombone and Woodwinds" by Raymond Premru. The colorful writing is a welcome change! And Mr. Alessi once again shows himself to be a generous supporter of the trombone by closing the disk with Pierre Gabaye's "Spécial" for trombone choir and soloist.

None of the works on this disk really left me excited or impressed, although the Premru is pleasing enough. As always, Mr. Alessi's talents leaven every performance with great musical judgment and taste (not to mention the aforementioned charm). I swear, he can make anything sound great.

7 out of 10

CDs listened to today:

• Bill Watrous: The Tiger Of San Pedro
• Pierre Boulez: Le Marteau Sans Maitre, disk 2
• Joe Henderson: Big Band
• Alfred Schnittke: Symphony No. 8
• Michael Daugherty: Metropolis Symphony