The recording of the album was a fantastic experience. We hope you will enjoy this album as much as we did making it. The cd represents my journey around the globe and contains a very diverse repertoire with music from all over the world. All pieces were on Ben's "to play wishlist" and come from the heart. Sound-wise, it's also very diverse, where Steven Verhelst did a superb job in making his compositions and arrangements for solo bass trombone and brass band all but boring. Read what Johan de Meij, famous Dutch conductor, trombonist, and composer, says about Ben's newest cd project: Congratulations to Ben van Dijk, Steven Verhelst and the Amsterdam Staff Band! It was a tremendous pleasure to listen to Ben's fifth solo recording World Concerto. Once again I can say: ‘Ben, you did it again’! Being close friends for almost 45 years now, I have been able to follow his amazing career with growing admiration and excitement. His unique, warm sound has always been his trademark, and his singing, lyrical style has been an example for many players around the world. Like the other four recordings, Ben has managed to surround himself again with the best players, composers and recording engineers. The Amsterdam Staff Band of the Salvation Army is an excellent ensemble and composer Steven Verhelst has become one of the finest writers of contemporary brass literature. Chapeau to all of you! Johan de Meij - composer/conductor