One of the most famous concert names in brass banding made a triumphant return on the weekend, when James Shepherd Versatile Brass performed at Outwood near Wakefield, as the guests of the Lofthouse Band, and in Mexborough at the Imperial Club & Brewery.
Rolled back the years
Despite the absence of their iconic leader due to ill health, the reformed JSVB rolled back the years with playing that certainly lived up to their reputation.
Alex Kerwin, a former JSVB member deputised for James at Outwood, whilst Black Dyke principal cornet Richard Marshall took over the hot seat in Mexborough.
They joined lead cornet/trumpet Rob Westacott, Philip Varley and David Pogson, as well as horn player Helen Varley, trombonists Kevin Holdgate and Trevor Slade, euphonium/trombonist Nigel Lawless and original tuba player Colin Aspinall.
The permanent role of percussion is still to be filled, although John Turnbull played at Outwood with Mark Thakarah taking over at the Mexborough concert.
Versatility
As has been the case since JSVB was formed in 1972, the key to the group’s appeal has been their musical versatility – from 16th century baroque to Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band and plenty more besides.
Rob Westacott performed the famous Goedeke ‘Concert Etude’ with Helen Varley showcasing the Marcello ‘Oboe Concerto’. All the other featured soloists also wowed the packed audiences, whilst the assured direction of Dr Owen Wedgwood ensured everything ran smoothly.
The audience reaction was outstanding and I’m sure that there is a bright future ahead for the groupKevin Holdgate
Great to be back
Commenting on the concerts, Kevin Holdgate told 4BR: "It was great to be back performing with this fantastic ensemble. The audience reaction was outstanding and I’m sure that there is a bright future ahead for the group.
It was a huge disappointment to all of us that Jim wasn’t able to perform in the first two concerts, but we couldn’t have asked for two better people to deputise, and the audiences certainly weren’t short changed."
Kevin added: "Jim is equally disappointed but I’m sure he will soon be back with us. We are now planning our next series of concerts, including an exciting visit to Switzerland in December."
