Squidco: Henkel, Brad: Croon

Croon

Stunningly transformative techniques on the solo trumpet from NY and Berlin-based brass improviser Brad Henkel, recording in a Berlin studio for eight diverse acoustic pieces that mostly sound like anything but a trumpet, merging throat singing on one track, or squalling through tubes with intent control on another; reference Jacob Wick, Axel Dorner, Natsuki Tamura.

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Personnel:

Brad Henkel-trumpet

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Label: Neither/Nor Records
Catalog ID: n/n 021
Squidco Product Code: 34215

Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2023
Country: USA
Recorded at Blackbird Music Studio, in Berlin, Germany, on December 8th, 2021, by Sebastian Ohmert.

Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

"In his solo debut recording Brad Henkel presents an eclectic collection of acoustic trumpet pieces. The pieces display a stunning variety of textures and timbres that Brad has cultivated over the years by refining an array of extended techniques and personal approaches to the instrument. Beautifully recorded, the music exhibits both Brad's unique take on the instrument as well as his skill and inventiveness as an improviser."-Neither/Nor

"Croon is a short and sweet release on Neither/Nor records, based in New York. Brad Henkel is a trumpet player from the United States and is currently based in Berlin. He makes the trumpet sound not like a trumpet but as a source of sound. 'Croon', the title track, features a jazzy melody, hence the name. 'Clamor' also has tones, but others, 'Bay', for example, sound as if the sound is made electronically, save for the audible breath-taking. Henkel has the technical skills to make all these pieces sound so easy. 'Chant' is a low murmur and throat singing coupled with high trumpet overtones. An exquisite piece to listen to. I won't spoil anything further here. Just listen and be surprised."-Mark Daelmans-Sikkel, Vital Weekly

Artist Biographies

• Show Bio for Brad Henkel

"Brad Henkel is an experimental trumpeter/composer/improviser living in Berlin."

-Brad Henkel Website (http://bradhenkel.blogspot.com/p/about.html)
4/25/2026

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Track Listing:

1. Bay 3:54

2. Whir 7:40

3. Croon 5:51

4. Squall 4:06

5. Purr 4:52

6. Clamor 4:09

7. Chant 8:32

8. Mope 4:05

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