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2014 4BR Awards — Solo CD of the Year

Which solo performer tickled your fancy in 2014 with their latest release?

BarberThe nominations from the 4BR team for consideration are...

Barber
John Barber
Foden’s Band
Conductor: Michael Fowles
Doyen Recordings: DOY CD338
Total Playing Time: 61.54 mins

The versatility of one of the brass band movements finest trombonist is shown to superb effect with this commanding release.

Just as at ease with the repertoire of jazz, pop or classical as he is with the music of the increasingly varied brass band genre. His formidable technique and superb, malleable tonal qualities also come with an added extra. He ain’t half a pretty damn good pianist too.


FlightFlight 
Sebastien Rousseau
Brass Band Buizingen
Featuring: Longbow
Conductor: Luke Vertommen
Buma Stemra Recordings: 201820
Total Playing Time: 79.48 mins

A performer of rare musicality, performing works that showcase a remarkable degree of inventiveness, (including six premiere performances) and a sustained degree of virtuosity.

The centre piece is a remarkable collaboration entitled , ‘The Scarlet Flower’ with the Longbow String Ensemble, that gives such an artistic performer free reign to display the full range of his extensive abilities.


Sempre Libera

Sempre Libera 
David Thornton
Brighouse & Rastrick
Conductor: Prof. David King
Doyen Recordings: DOYCD326
Total Playing Time: 60.25 mins

A wonderful release that showcases a performer of the most tasteful subtlety and refinement - but one that can also play with such startling precision that he could double up as a laser guided arc welder in his spare time.

Each track has that stamp of authentic 24 carat purity running through it - right down to the fantastically bonkers finale that puts a hypnotic buzz bang in the central cortex of your brain.


Richard MarshallThe Cornet Heritage Collection - Volume II 
Richard Marshall
Black Dyke
Conductors: Dr Nicholas & Dr Robert Childs
Doyen Recordings CD325
Total Playing Time: 67.54 mins

A release that may well recall a musical past that is fast fading from the collective consciousness, but in doing so it also reinforces Richard Marshall’s reputation as one of the finest cornet players of this, or any other generation.

However, despite the age of the repertoire, it is not a homage dipped in musical aspic: The eleven tracks are presented with a tender freshness, to give each an engaging immediacy.


ChildsThe Symphonic Euphonium
David Childs
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Conductor: Bramwell Tovey 
Chandos: CHAN10830
Total Playing Time: 78.44 mins

The crowning achievement of euphonium repertoire - given performances of simply regal splendour and authority.

From the elegant nobility of the Horovitz and colorful immediacy of the Wilby, to the austere substance of the Hoddinott and the playful zest and sheer virtuosity of the Jenkins - it is playing as good as any renowned orchestral soloist in the world.



Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

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