It seems all things brass bands are the flavour of the month in the media.
The Guardian
Following the recent article by journalist Emma Pomfret in 'The Times' newspaper on Friday 26th February, 'The Guardian' has followed suit by using its daily editorial to praise what they see as the few remaining colliery bands that are still in existence.
Western Mail
Meanwhile, in Wales the news that David Childs will make his solo debut at Carnegie Hall in New York has seen an article published in 'The Western Mail' newspaper
Taking its lead from the announcement of a new CD that features 11 former colliery bands called 'The Music Lives on Now the Mines Have Gone', the 'Guardian' editorial heaps praise on their contribution to working class communities during and after the Miners Strike.
'The Guardian' has followed suit by using its daily editorial to praise what they see as the few remaining colliery bands that are still in existence4BR
Backlash
However the rather lyrical prose quoting Emile Zola has brought a bit of a backlash in many of the comments posted on the newspapers website.
"Credit to them, but the music is dreary," says one writer commenting on the editorial. "But still, they're good training grounds for being the brass section in a Ska band."
"All a bit ‘Oop North’", another writes – adding; "Reminds me of those horribly depressing films like ‘Kez’ (sic), and ‘Saturday Night, Sunday Morning’, and names like Grimethorpe."
Support
There is some support however: "It's the most environmentally friendly music going. No amps or stage rigs to power," says one supporter, whilst another enlightened soul adds: "Culture was seen as something that the poor could and should experience — and not just any culture, but the best in what was on offer. They played demanding music. They played serious music."
St David's Day
The article written about David Childs appeared in the ‘Western Mail’ appropriately enough on St David’s Day and provides full details of his forthcoming appearance, as well as comments from composer Karl Jenkins, whose concerto he performs on the weekend.
Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/mar/01/coliery-brass-bands-coal-mining
