A MALVERN-based brass quintet has just released its first CD.

Brasstissimo was founded nine years ago when five members of Malvern Hills District Brass Band got together to play at a friend's wedding.

They enjoyed the experience so much they decided to stay together, and over the years they have built up a large repertoire of musical arrangements and have played at venues including weddings, garden parties and music festivals.

One of Brasstissimo's high points came last year, when the band played at one of the main venues in the Upton Jazz Festival.

Their appearance was so successful they were invited back this year.

Brasstissimo is now trumpeter Richard Willmott, trombonist Marshall Faizey and euphonium player Andy Taylor, all from Malvern Hills Brass Band, and Simon Clifford on cornet and Tim Stock on bass tuba, from West Mercia Constabulary Band.

"We play a wide variety of music from classical to the odd bit of rock, but mainly enjoy playing jazz, swing and blues," said Mr Willmott.

The new CD, Spread a Little Happiness, is a collection of classic light jazz and swing from famous writers.

Most brass ensembles have a line-up of two trumpets, a tenor horn, a tenor trombone and a bass tuba. Brasstissimo is slightly unusual in that it has a cornet, a trumpet, a tenor trombone, a euphonium and a bass tuba.

"We find that the combination of the cornet and trumpet provides a good tonal distinction between the mellow sounds of the cornet and the brighter sounds of the trumpet," Mr Willmott said.

"The euphonium, in the very capable hands of Andy Taylor, is an excellent solo instrument and features largely in the band's musical arrangements. Andy often finds he has to play in the upper range of the instrument to give the necessary harmonic balance to the ensemble."

To buy a copy of Spread a Little Happiness, contact 01684 568407 or rhwillmott@totalise.co.uk.