Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 18:34:53
Result: The Senior Trophy:
Spanish Hall
Test Piece: James Cook Circumnavigator (Gilbert Vinter)
Adjudicators: Sandy Smith & Dr David Thornton
1. Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren)*
2. Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins)*
3. Oldham Lees) (John Collins)*
4. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (Simon Platford)*
5. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
6. Unison Kinneil (Colin McKenzie)
7. Roberts Bakery (Simon Stonehouse)
8. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Stephen Crooks)
9. Drighlington (John Roberts)
10. Bo'ness & Carriden (Andrew Duncan)
11. SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
12. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
13. Longridge (Mareika Gray)
14. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
15. Medway (Melvin White)
16. 1st Old Boys (Stephen Cairns)
17. City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)
18. Felling (Chris Bentham)
19. Foresters Brass 2000 (Jack Capstaff)
20. Leicester Co-operative (Graham Jacklin)\
Best Instrumentalist: Anthony Smith (euphonium) - Filton Concert
*Promoted to Senior Cup
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 17:06:51
Overall thoughts and prediction:
An enjoyable and intriguing contest where not for the first time at a major band competition, the age of the piece, hasn't meant it's an easy one to deliver.
Vinter's music is vibrant and transparent, but as some bands have found out today, James Cook has more than its fair share of musical traps to catch them out.
The work has proved to be a good test, where bands have found out that music 47 years on, it can still sort them out and if underestimated, can't really smack you between the chops.
The solo contributions have been good, but not spectacular, with the standard of solo cornet work, a touch disappointing if we are being honest.
Sandy Smith & Dr David Thornton may not have the easiest job today especially at the top end with just four going through to the Senior Cup.
At the top end, it could be squeaky bum time for those in search of the title and promotion, with the bands that finish fifth, sixth, ruing their luck.
For us though, its Filton Concert Brass, Goodwick Brass and Oldham (Lees) battling it out for the top three with Tylorstown, Bo'ness & Carriden, Dalmellington in the chasing pack.
4BR Prediction:
1. Filton Concert Brass
2. Goodwick Brass
3. Oldham (Lees)
4. Tylorstown
5. Bo'ness & Carriden
6. Dalmellington
Dark Horses: East London/Longridge
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 17:00:27
20. SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
It's the Midland outfit who brings the five and three quarter hours of competitive action to a close with a frustrating and inconsistent reading.
It was all there from the notes and the style, but just wasn't brought off with enough clarity and detail to really make you sit up and listen today.
If it had those two ingredients, it could have made more of an impression (on us) than it did.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 16:44:48
19. City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)
It's a bit of an individual reading from the former Black Dyke man and whilst at times it's a touch strident there is a lot to appreciate here.
There is good attention to detail, control and dynamics with carefully constructed solo lines that each have their place and make an impression.
We hear some vibrant heroic Vinter that would warm the cockles of any fan of the composer as they sail at sea to close.
One to really think about from City of Bradford today.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 16:30:52
18. Medway (Melvin White)
The London & Southern Counties outfit takes to the stage with a relaxed Melvin White at the helm.
It's a reading that has lots of musical merit, it just needed a bit more confidence from the players at times to really believe they could play the piece. The notes were there but was the belief?
The ensemble wasn't bad, nor was the solos, but there was just too much tentativeness to really make a serious impression today.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 16:10:59
17. Longridge (Mareika Gray)
It's a bold and colourful nautical journey from the local contender today. MD, Mareika Gray makes sure her troops respond to her persuasive direction.
Nothing really gets overdone, from the comfortable tempo's to engaging dynamics and there is real vibrancy throughout.
The solo contributions are measured, calculated and well delivered whilst the real team spirit comes through right to the end.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 15:56:43
16. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
Memories of Kings Hall 1974 come flooding back (and yes this 4BR scribe was there) with the most authentic reading of Gilbert Vinter's work so far today.
Richard Evans takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane delivering a very impressive rendition. Vibrant, fluid, musical, it's all included and the band responds superbly to his direction, but adrenaline does kick in as well.
The cornet and euphonium soloists really hit the spot whilst there is some very impressive ensemble dynamic contributions throughout.
It's full of heroism as we close but the over enthusiasm may just see them miss out on a top four berth.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 15:41:37
15. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Stephen Crooks)
The Irish outfit deliver not the first (and perhaps not the last) inconsistent account of the contesting day in the Spanish Hall.
There were times when the musical promise was there, but at others, you did wonder which way they were sailing – port or starboard?
The solo contributions were gritty and determined whilst the percussion certainly brought plenty to the performance. Full marks for effort, but one that will probably miss the boat today.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 15:23:56
14. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
It's a bright and breezy sail from the Londoners. At times, it gets a bit robust and dynamically heavy on the ear, but its certainly full of vigour.
Jayne Murill sets her stall out from the off and the players respond. Ok, not everything works as well as it could do, but there is a real desire to succeed flowing through the musical veins.
It's a reading that could be around the top six depending on what comes from the final seven.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 15:07:16
13. Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren)
The South West outfit really enjoys its musical sojourn aboard the high seas. Mr Davoren had done his Vinter research and produced a very engaging account.
It's so well styled, disciplined with fine ensemble and solo contributions. The tempo's bring a smile to the face and whilst there are a couple of moments, where there are troubled seas, but they don't lead to aborting ship.
Another really fine performance, that really could be sniffing the lead.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 14:50:03
12. Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins)
It's a lovely opening that has balanced warm sounds that paves the way for a very enjoyable and credible performance.
The detail and clarity came through the score, at times like we have rarely heard today. The knowledgeable MD lets the band play with freedom and they responded. There were moments of uncertainty though that take the edge of things, but full marks for the way this was approached right from the off.
The solos were impressive as was the percussion work and it's a right heroic conclusion.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 14:34:03
11. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (Simon Platford)
The Midlanders recommenced the contest with a well judged reading that really went for it from the outset.
There were a few nautical challenges, but it was a bit loud and quicker on the tempo markings than some today, but this was a band that could certainly place what was on the score.
Definitely one to think about for the judges.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 14:26:54
Half way opinion
An intriguing but at challenging contest so far with not one band really nailing James Cook. Vinter's music is proving to be a test but a reminder 46 years on, good music, lasts the test of time.
Some performances have been steered by Uncle Albert from Only Fools and Horses than astute and considered yachtsman but nobody has needed a may day call.
Older, established music is not easy as it seems then so far.
All to play for but.....
4BR Prediction:
1. Oldham (Lees)
2. Tylorstown
3. Bo'ness & Carriden
4. Roberts Bakery
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 14:02:18
10. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
It's a roller coaster of a ride from the Welsh contender. Robust at times and refined at others. Not everything gels together, but by heck, it kept you engaged and interested. The solos were committed and intentional to stand out and there was some fine ensemble contributions.
It's one of those may be performances today
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 13:48:35
The Senior Trophy:
Spanish Hall
Test Piece: James Cook Circumnavigator (Gilbert Vinter)
Comments: Malcolm Wood
Adjudicators: Sandy Smith & Dr David Thornton
1. 1st Old Boys (Stephen Cairns)
2. Roberts Bakery (Simon Stonehouse)
3. Unison Kinneil (Colin McKenzie)
4. Felling (Chris Bentham)
5. Leicester Co-op (Graham Jacklin)
6. Bo'ness & Carriden (Andrew Duncan)
7. Drighlington (John Roberts)
8. Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)
9. Foresters Brass 2000 (Jack Capstaff)
10. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
11. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (Simon Platford)
12. Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins)
13. Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren)
14. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
15. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Stephen Crooks)
16. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
17. Longridge (Mareika Gray)
18. Medway (Melvin White)
19. City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)
20. SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 13:25:39
8. Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)
The Lancastrians deliver a lighter James Cook that has a lot to admire in its style and approach. We hear Vinter coming through vividly and this is an enjoyable sojourn around the seas.
The solo contributions of cornet and euph are excellent whilst there is a tasty bit of soprano playing being thrown - bravo one and all.
It's steady stuff, well paced and a well constructed reading comes to a fine close
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 13:06:48
7. Drighlington (John Roberts)
The Yorkshire outfit takes to the floor of the Spanish Hall to deliver a rather robust and forthright reading that treaded some tempestuous seas at times. When it was sailing at ease, all was in fine, but when it was rocky, it nearly needed the odd 'may day, may day'.
In many respects the tricky parts that went awry were a real shame as the quality playing was certainly evident. The solo contributions were impressive though. One of those readings where the foibles could impact today.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 12:52:21
6. Bo'ness & Carriden (Andrew Duncan)
The Scots under Andrew Duncan certainly deliver a committed account of Vinter's work. At times, it's a steady journey rather than a fraught one, but invigorating nonetheless.
The soloists do a fine job, coloured and musical and there's a fine sense of heroism as the piece reaches its end.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 12:41:18
Five bands in and a timely reminder so far today that Gilbert Vinter's music takes some playing. Just like Essay a few weeks ago, music that could be considered dated by some (47 years), is testing the bands.
How many conductors and players have dragged out the old Dyke recordings from the 1970s we wonder?
A navigational test to this point but a fine piece to listen to. It's a distant memory of musical days gone by and the sort of work that Sandy Smith and David Thornton will enjoy judging.
An old school work won with old school musical values today?
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 12:35:05
5. Leicester Co-op (Graham Jacklin)
There's a committed approach right from the off, but it just never really gels together and is cemented as it should be.
It does settle down but lacks the consistency around the stand, although hats off to everybody here for their efforts. They have given it their all, but it's a reading that just hasn't come off for them today.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 12:24:45
4. Felling (Chris Bentham)
The North of England contender delivers a spirited navigational trip, that wasn't as polished as it could have been.
Some of the notation goes awry at times but the belief remains, but its not knitted together as well as it should be. The soloists are a bit hit and miss, but committed. Well done for the determination - they never gave in.
Not a bad close, at all. A touch of adrenaline though made it a touch harsh.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 12:04:59
3. Unison Kinneil (Colin McKenzie)
Steady opening, that takes time to settle but we are hearing Vinter for the first time today in all its glory. The Scots are bringing out the drama of the musical voyage here.
The solo work is good, well done all; there are blemishes, but tricky lines to master. We like the style and majestic feel to what is being portrayed here and it's a fine close.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 11:50:15
2. Roberts Bakery (Simon Stonehouse)
Not a bad opening, steady, but it has its merits. Not everything links together as it should do, but its nicely styled. The soloists are passionate, but not everything being delivered as written on the score.
The flow isn't bad though, there is a nice pulse and it is atmospheric with a triumphant feel to the music and its not a bad close.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 11:30:19
1. 1st Old Boys (Stephen Cairns)
Effective opening although there are some misplaced notes in the basses. There are some tuning blemishes and further misplaced notes going in though, but this is committed stuff.
Soloists battle the journey well, well done cornet and euphonium. The percussion blends in and enhances the musical picture without being overpowering.
The notes are going in, but it needs more of a sense of heroism to really make you sit up.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 11:18:27
We are about to get underway in the Senior Trophy with a golden oldie (compared to the other works being performed today) James Cook Circumnavigitaor.
Sandy Smith & Dr David Thornton are in the box. Good luck all.
Senior Trophy • Saturday 14, 11:12:02
The Senior Trophy:
Spanish Hall
Test Piece: James Cook Circumnavigator (Gilbert Vinter)
Comments: Malcolm Wood
Adjudicators: Sandy Smith & Dr David Thornton
1. 1st Old Boys (Stephen Cairns)
2. Roberts Bakery (Simon Stonehouse)
3. Unison Kinneil (Colin McKenzie)
4. Felling (Chris Bentham)
5. Leicester Co-op (Graham Jacklin)
6. Bo'ness & Carriden (Andrew Duncan)
7. Drighlington (John Roberts)
8. Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)
9. Foresters Brass 2000 (Jack Capstaff)
10. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
2nd half of Draw
City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)
Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren)
Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins)
Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (Simon Platford)
Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Stephen Crooks)
Longridge (Mareika Gray)
Medway (Melvin White)
SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
Senior Trophy • Friday 13, 21:25:57
The Senior Trophy:
Spanish Hall
Test Piece: James Cook Circumnavigator (Gilbert Vinter)
1st Old Boys (Stephen Cairns)
Bo'ness & Carriden (Andrew Duncan)
City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)
Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
Drighlington (John Roberts)
East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
Felling (Chris Bentham)
Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren)
Foresters Brass 2000 (Jack Capstaff)
Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins)
Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (Simon Platford)
Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Stephen Crooks)
Leicester Co-op (Graham Jacklin)
Longridge (Mareika Gray)
Medway (Melvin White)
Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)
Roberts Bakery (Simon Stonehouse)
SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones)
Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
Unison Kinneil (Colin McKenzie)
