In this new recording of Colin Brumby’s suite, Australian double bassist Jeremy Watt covers all four parts himself, and in doing so creates the ideal consort, blending four voices from one instrument seamlessly.

Currently a member of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and a successful London freelancer for 18 years,  Jeremy has an avid interest in ensemble playing. Some of his future releases will explore chamber music repertoire of other instruments, in new arrangements featuring the unique timbre of an all double bass setting.

Brumby’s Suite for Four Double Basses is published by Yorke Edition.

1. Pesante; Allegro                               4:43
2. Larghetto; Allgro con brio             3:33
3. Larghetto; Andante tranquillo     3:54

Jeremy Watt – Artist’s Website

Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Jeremy Watt is currently Sub-Principal Double Bass with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Prior to this appointment in 2018 he enjoyed a busy freelance career with the Philharmonia Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC Concert Orchestra. 

Jeremy has worked extensively as guest principal in orchestras around the world, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Concert Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Opera North, Johann Strauss Orchestra (UK), Stavanger Symfoniorkesters, Trondheim Symfoniorkester and Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife.

Jeremy studied at the Queensland Conservatorium with Ken Poggioli and Michael Morgan, and privately in London with Rinat Ibragimov, Duncan McTier and Thomas Martin.

Brian Gardner (verified purchaser) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Music has been an ever present in my life. It has sustained me in times of joy and times of trouble but never more so than in the periods of lockdown we are going through, especially as I live alone. But there are only so many symphonies, concertos, piano trios, string quartets etc. etc., which you can listen to before the palate becomes jaded, and mine certainly was. I began seeking fresh, different music that was new to me. I discovered this piece when it was mentioned in an interview on the C. B. S. O. website. I didn’t know the name or work of Colin Brumby, but I had heard Jeremy Watt many times with the C. B. S. O., so I decided to give it a go. I’m really glad I did!

I have always loved the sound of the lower instruments. As a youngster I used to annoy my family with excessive use of bass gain. No need for that here. The double bass, in the hands of Mr. Watt gives out a beautifully deep, rich, resonant sound, which is also mellow. The music matches his skills, and I think Colin Brumby’s composition shows off the double bass as a much more versatile instrument than it would usually seem to be, but why shouldn’t its music be as varied as that for the violin? I’m not sure to what extent Jeremy Watt’s decision to record all 4 parts himself was forced by lockdown, or was a conscious one, but it gives the whole piece a wonderful air of unity. The recording, the first on Mr. Watt’s own Luminate Records label, is presented in various download formats. I purchased ALAC for use on Apple equipment and it sounds wonderful when Bluetoothed to my hi-fi system.
I know that more recordings are planned. I look forward to hearing them, and I wish Mr. Watt every success with his new venture. On the evidence of this E. P., it will be well deserved.