The 2010 Senior Cup is taking place at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
Additional comments and thoughts on our twitter site:
http://twitter.com/4barsrest
Saturday 15th May
Test Piece: 'The Year of the Dragon' — Philip Sparke
Draw: 9.30am
Commence: 10.30am
The Pavilion Theatre
Adjudicators: David Read MBE and David Childs
Live comments by Malcolm Wood
What do we think?
A long day (just short of 7 and a half hours) where the test piece has proved to be the winner.
The challenge of putting three challenging movements together has been too much for some, whilst trombone players have put in valiant efforts. It could be very close though at the top for a place in the frame with very little to choose between a number of bands.
It's Woodfalls for us from Unison Kinneil with Aveley & Newham and Dalmellington gaianing the promotion places. EYMS and Ashton should take the other top six places.
4BR Prediction:
1. Woodfalls
2. Unison Kinneill
3. Aveley & Newham
4. Dalmellington
5. EYMS
6. Ashton
20. Unison Kinnneil (Allan Ramsay)
Tocatta: A really musical approach reaps reward, with lots of attention to detail on show.
Interlude: The MD just lets the band play and produce a stirring movement, so gentle, refined and yet so musical. The trombonist stands and projects towards the box in a lyrical manner.
Finale: it's an edge of the seat roller-coaster ride, loads of good music making, prominent detail and impressive detail.
Overall: Impressive show this. The Scots may just have given the men in the box something to ponder.
19. Ratby Co-operative (Michael Fowles)
Tocatta: It certainly has its moments but a touch uncomfortable at times as well. Not bad to start.
Interlude: Some fine playing here particularly in the quieter passages with lots of feeling from the middle and the trombonist has the odd moment but does well.
Finale: lots of energy from the MD brings out purposeful dynamics and full on tempo's to close impressively,
Overall: A performance that had lots to admire and it benefitted from a good reading from the middle.
18. Ashton-Under-Lyne (Martyn Evans)
Tocatta: Assertive start that continues with some fine playing leading to good close. Impressive stuff this, played with a touch of classy confidence.
Interlude: Impressive movement — it's all so musical, including the relaxed trombone who sounds so at ease.
Finale: Strong, powerful approach in evidence coupled with some brisk tempo's that bring that extra little bit of excitement at the close.
Overall: An interesting one this with lots of good playing on show. Could be more than a dark horse and find itself right in the mix.
17. Woodfalls (Gareth Pritchard)
Tocatta: Bold, strong musical picture to open is impressive, with lots of detail in evidence.
Interlude: Very persuasive musical picture portrayed, with some lovely lyrical playing on show including the trombonist who stands and delivers in fine style.
Finale: It's big, it's bold -but so musical too. Lots of detail and thrilling tempo's to close.
Overall: A fine musical performance that deserves to be in the mix.
16. Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)
Tocatta: A cautious approach means that it does take time to settle. It never quite finds its feet this and sounds nervous right through to the close
Interlude: It all very nervy although there is a great deal of perseverence on show from all around the stands and bravura soloist.
Finale: The approach remains steady, but they at last seem more relaxed and at ease now, producing some good playing to close.
Overall: A performance that never really came off. We didn't hear them hit their best form today as nerves really sunk their chances.
15. Bo’ness & Carriden (Steve Sykes)
Tocatta: Firm musical opening where the MD brings out the goods and the playing just about matches all the good musical direction.
Interlude: Some fine playing on display and credit to the trombonist who like all his contemparies has found the solo passages, hard work.
Finale: Sensible musical heard from all the sections. The approach gives the music time and space (not many have done this today). A big finish, but it was a bit tired and a little harsh.
Overall: A bit of a mixed bag this. There was quality on show but it was hard work for them in places too.
14. City of Sheffield (David Holling)
Tocatta: It does take time to settle but there is some fine sounds when it does, in an opening that had control and poise.
Interlude: The quiet playing is engaging on the ear whilst sympathy goes to the trombone who stuck to the task. This din't come off as hoped for all concerned.
Finale: Very bold and forceful at times but the full throttle approach doesn't quite come off and it gets scrappy to close.
Overall: One that never really came to life after a decent start and although it had its moments, it had its challenges too.
13. Powerfuel Hatfield (Graham O’Connor)
Tocatta: It's a nice approach this, with plenty of detail and musical insight from the middle which is shown to fine effect by the players too. Good start this.
Interlude: A delightful section with lots of quality where the music speaks and the solo trombone stands and delivers the goods.
Finale: Bold and purposeful approach appeals. Lots of detail and tempo's are good. Very impressive and exciting closing section.
Overall: A fine musical account this, that deserves reward today.
12. Aveley & Newham (Nigel Taken)
Tocatta: Strong powerful and purposeful musical opening, and lots of detail on offer. This was a statement of impressive intent.
Interlude: Lots of fine musical moments can be heard although there are some tiny wobbles along the way. The MD draws some fine music from the score and his players.
Finale: The good playing continues with lots of detail and energetic tempo's, all rounded off with a thrilling climax.
Overall: One of only a few today that have managed to deliver in all three movements. Impressive stuff from the Londoners — no wonder they look pleased. And so they should.
11. Co-operative Milnrow (Andrew White)
Tocatta: A musical opening builds well and there is detail in evidence, although there its not without the odd blip.
Interlude: Lots of refined music can be heard and the trombone is admirable — all under the watchful eye of the MD, who keeps a tight musical rein on things.
Finale: It's a bold 'full-on' approach with the music and detail coming through in what was at times a thrilling finale.
Overall: An impressive performance with lots to commend this. Solid brass band playing.
10. NASUWT Riverside (Ian Robinson)
Tocatta: Not bad at all — music and detail comes to light and the tempo's don't stretch them. Controlled and stylish this.
Interlude: The pianissimo playing is lovely on the ear and there's a great deal of control from the middle. It's not without the odd blip although trombone does well. Again, there is a stylish element to this that works well.
Finale: It's a purposeful, bold approach which pays dividends even though there is the odd blip along the way. Some moments of unease, but there was control and style again in abumndance.
Overall: A performance of merit that had lots to admire, and one that could be in the mix. A very musical and interesting take this on a colourful work.
9. Staffordshire (Huw Thomas)
Tocatta: Steady musical approach bears fruit, although a few uncertain moments are in evidence. A solid start this.
Interlude: Once again the approach from the middle pays dividends and the solo trombone digs deep to produce the goods. More good stuff.
Finale: Tempo's and detail not always at one but the MD maintains firm grip to end.
Overall: Not the worse today by any means. Uneven at times but lots of fine musical moments. Could be a bit of a dark horse?
8. Yorkshire Imperial (Urquart Travel) David Nesbitt
Tocatta: Bold opening with lots of detail coming through and nice approach from the middle gives this a very encouraging start.
Interlude: Some lovely refined playing on display with good solo and ensemble work. You can sit back and really enjoy this.
Finale: It's a big, bold, energetic approach to close with. Plenty of detail and lightening-fast tempo's, which are just about overcome — just being the word. A touch scrappy to end.
Overall: A bold interpretation that had plenty to admire, but will it catch the ears of the judges? Certainly not lacking excitement.
7. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Ernest Ruddock)
Tocatta: It takes time to settle this but the element of caution remains in place throughout and that isn't a bad thing.
Interlude: It's not without a few odd uncertain moments (trombone) but the band produces their best playing so far and there is a persuasive warmth and style to this.
Finale: It had its moments again, but the stamina waned and the mistakes started to flow too readily.
Overall: A brave effort this on what is becoming a tough nut to crack, but it just didn't quite make the most of a promising start.
6. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
Tocatta: Purposeful and musical approach from the middle pays dividends. Just the odd uncertain moment in a section that held the attention.
Interlude: Maestro Evans is in his element as he coerces a beautiful movement from all concerned — bravo. Trom was classy and ensemble wasn't far behind.
Finale: It's edge of the seat stuff all the way with exhilerating tempos. Gets scraooy though but just has enough about it to hold its form right to the fine close.
Overall: One that really did impress with a performance full of boldness and vibrant character.
5. Kibworth (John Hudson)
Tocatta: Cautious and steady approach from the middle but its scrappy and uneven at times.
Interlude: The quiet playing shows the band in good voice and there are fine dynamics on offer in the ensemble. It's a valiant effort from trombone who persevered. Good.
Finale: More cautious and steady playing but the approach does work with a good close that had a sense of building excitement.
Overall: A really gritty determined account that got better and better as it progressed.
4. Cwmaman Institute Silver (Craig Roberts)
Tocatta: Musical and detailed at times but it also has a few tentative moments too. Mix and match and a tad uneven.
Interlude: Trombone does well although there is the odd uncertain moment. The warmth in the playing in the chorlae is fine and the close is done well too.
Finale: Steady tempo's and although a touch uneven at times, closes well.
Overall: The Welsh dragon certainly gave it their all — but one that didn't quite come off for us. A brave old effort though.
3. Fishburn (Stephen Malcolm)
Tocatta: Not bad at all. Just a few moments here and there but approach from middle works in a clean and neat first movement.
Interlude: Nervous opening. Trombone is cautious but survives whilst the quiet playing in chorale is musically satisfying. Safe is the word.
Finale: Bold and edgy at times, but MD keeps firm grip on the tempo's. Spoke too soon — they hit the metal at the close. Scorchio!
Overall: A performance that had lots of positives but also a few nervous moments and an edning that was exciting but perhaps misplaced?
2. East Yorkshire Motor Services (Stan Lippeatt)
Toccata: Purposeful opening works well, detail is nicely shaped and the music comes through. Good one.
Interlude: The musical approach is evident once again. Lyrical trombonist is refined, central pianissimo playing appeals and links well into final section.
Finale: Big bold exciting stuff with detail in evidence and edge of the seat close.
Overall: A performance that benefitted from a fine approach from the middle and had lots to admire. EYMS back on form after Darlington disappointment.
1. United Co-op Crewe (Jef Sparkes)
Toccata: Firm opening. Lots of attention to detail that isn't overdone too in what is an impressive first section. Confident stuff.
Interlude: Solo trombone does well and the hymn like feel to the music comes through with nice dynamic approach. Looking good?
Finale: Lively tempo that has to be admired for the confidence alone. Plenty of detail in the ensemble and MD keeps tight reign at close on what was a decent ending.
Overall: Not a bad marker at all. It certainly had its moments in each movement.
