The sonorities of the various instruments blend marvellously well, and one realizes that the group plays as a collective entity. Nevertheless, for these players, their own perfection seems to become further and further removed, resisting their grasp. They thus continue to seek, to discuss, to change. Both old and new music are treated with the same awareness, the same conscientiousness.
The two trumpeters change their instruments in order to obtain new and interesting tonal possibilities — for example, piccolo trumpet together with flugelhorn, etc.
These musicians are certainly in full mastery of their instruments. They cultivate their repertory and their collective sonority, respecting each other's taste (although at times one senses the dominant personality of Jerry Schwarz).
Their rehearsal lasts two hours and is sustained continually without a break, nor can the slightest sign of fatigue be detected. When one hears them rehearse, one learns why they have become one of the leading brass ensembles of our time.
Jean-Pierre Mathez
Formation of the ABQ:
Gerard Schwarz, 1st trumpet (Bach Bb, Bach C, Schilke 4-valve piccolo).
Louis Ranger, 2nd trumpet (Bach Bb, Bach C, Couesnon flugelhorn).
Edward Birdwell, horn (Merewether system, Paxman triple horn).
Herbert Rankin, tenor trombone (Bach).
Robert Biddlecome, bass trombone (Bach).