*
banner

2014 4BR Awards — CD/DVD of the Year

It is becoming ever more difficult for brass bands to come up with recordings that justify their high price. However a few did just that and more in 2014.

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

Abaddon
Noord-Limburgse Brass Band
Conductor: Ivan Meylemans
Soloists: David Thornton, Peter Houben, Lode Smeets
Sterling CD Recording: LME2014
Total Playing Time: Approx 76 mins

Described by the 4BR Editor as a release that confirms Noord-Limburgse and their MD as a musical partnership of significant heavyweight musical substance and enjoyment.

Bold, darkly engrossing and played with a delicious sense of musicality from all involved.


Gaia

Gaia Symphony
Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag
Conductor: Andreas Hanson
BIS Recordings: BIS: BIS2061
Total Playing Time: 81.09

It’s already picked up major CD awards from British Bandsman and Brass Band World magazine, and richly deserved they are to.  

The playing is exceptional, but it is the breadth and scope of the interpretations from Andreas Hanson that puts it in a different sphere of accomplishment to other ensemble releases this year.


Manger

Mangernetisk! - The Music of Martin Winter
Manger Musikklag
Conductor: Martin Winter
Soloists: Rinat Arzumov, Anne Britt Hermansen, Randi Holm, Birgitte Bjornsdatter Bruget
Doyen CD Recording: DOYCD 322
Total Playing Time: 74.22

It may be something completely different, but ‘Mangernetisk!’ is also one of the most enjoyable brass band CDs you will get to hear for quite some time.

In equal parts endlessly clever and creative - the music making is infused with an added pinch of acerbic wit that comes from a musician who has the visionary mindset of a Terry Gilliam in his most inspired Baron von Munchhausen directional mode.


Triumph of Time

The Triumph of Time 
Black DykeConductor: Prof Nicholas Childs
Soloists: Zoe Hancock, Katrina Marzella
Doyen CD Recording: DOYCD337
Total Playing Time: Approx 66 mins

Something of a musical anthology that can be traced back to Peter Graham’s first European set work, ‘Essence of Time’ in Falkirk 25 years ago - leading to his latest ‘The Triumph of Time’ in Perth this year.

The quality of the performances (both ensemble and solo) is undeniable, whilst the MD shapes the music with such tasteful malleability - balancing melodic lyricism with razor sharp bravura technique.


CoryTransmogrifying Brass
Cory
Conductor: Philip Harper
Soloist: Steve Stewart
Doyen CD Recording: DOYCD337
Total Playing Time: Approx 70 mins

An outstanding release that sums up the musical ambition and mind set of Philip Harper and Cory.

It’s bravura playing from start to finish - technically stunning and always musically interesting - even if it does raise a few eyebrows at times. That’s a good thing though as it gives you something else to think about whilst catching your breath.  



Regent Hall Concerts - RAM Trumpet Ensembles

Friday 14 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 14 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 15 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Contest: Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships

Saturday 15 March • Bedworth Civic Hall, High Street CV12 8NF


Contest: Welsh Regional Championships

Saturday 15 March • Brangwn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE


Dobcross Silver Band

March 11 • North West 3rd Section Champions, Dobcross Silver Band have a great opportunity for a 2ND EUPHONIUM PLAYER to join its very experienced and prize winning section. All ages considered for the right candidate.


Chinnor Silver

March 8 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet every other monday morning(nxt one this monday) and we are looking for CORNET PLAYERS to join us.. you do not need to change your affiliation as we just offer free fun music making with cake and coffee thrown in.


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

March 8 • Wakefield Metropolitan are looking for Bass player and percussionist to help the band move forward after a promising area performance


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd