This is really the FAQ I most receive: Why the heck are you called denisebrain? I feel I should post an explanation about once a year and it has been over a year now, so here goes. Besides, I have a few new images to share.
My name isn’t Denise Brain, but it has been a bit of a nickname for me. I am a professional horn player and teacher, and Dennis Brain is one of the greatest horn heroes any horn player could ever have. Tragically, the Englishman was only 36 when he suffered a fatal crash in his sports car in 1957. He had already become arguably the greatest hornist of modern times.
![]() |
Dennis Brain by Norman Parkinson, 1953 |
From eBay, to Etsy, to my own website called denisebrain.com, I have had no competition for the use of this name! I don’t use the name denisebrain flippantly—I feel the utmost respect and awe for the inimitable musician who inspired it.
It isn’t always easy for others to understand my love for both vintage clothing and the horn, but I have a simple premise that ties these in my mind: I am attracted to beauty. I love the quality and beauty of vintage clothing and I consider the horn capable of the most beautiful sounds in music.
Tying these together further for me, I am growing a small collection of vintage clothing and accessories featuring horns of all types and eras (other than the all-too numerous Ugly Christmas Sweaters with horns that is!) and here are some:
Tying these together further for me, I am growing a small collection of vintage clothing and accessories featuring horns of all types and eras (other than the all-too numerous Ugly Christmas Sweaters with horns that is!) and here are some:
3 comments:
Interesting! I was wondering about your name, and I didn't know about the horns. But I knew you had the Neatest Smile!
Hey Val, that "Neatest Smile" award trumps just about everything...I was a disaster in Phys Ed of all kinds, but I smiled anyway so they gave me that "medal."
Strong teeth help horn playing. Smiling helps everything.
I love hearing about people's nicknames and where they came from.
I love all your vintage horn pieces. You look so adorable.
Post a Comment