Tredegar Band has just completed the CD recording of 'Dark Arteries', the score to the ground breaking artistic collaboration with the Rambert Ballet that saw the Welsh band perform to widespread critical acclaim during a week-long production at Sadler's Wells in May.

Deep rooted

Written by Gavin Higgins, the 35 minute composition evokes the demise of the mining industry of south Wales; a darkly hued work of deep rooted timbres, rhythmic patterns and dynamics that explores a sense of melancholy as well as optimistic renewal through the medium of brass and contemporary ballet.

'Dark Arteries' will be featured alongside two major Higgins' compositions; 'Destroy, Trample as Swiftly She' and 'Fanfare and Love Songs', as well as the demanding trumpet/flugel work 'Tango', performed by Tredegar's principal cornet Dewi Griffiths and 'Freaks' the tour de force trombone concerto, played by Jonathan Pippen.

Vinyl release

In a further ground breaking move, the recording will also be released at a later date on vinyl.

Gavin told 4BR: "Once again the band brought my score thrillingly to life. The end result was amazing. Both Dewi and Jonathan were staggering — producing performances of such musicality.

I can't thank Ian Porthouse, producer Paul Hindmarsh and the band enough for such an immense effort. It also seems right that it will also come out of vinyl later in the year — it's a work that celebrates a sense of renewal."

It also seems right that it will also come out of vinyl later in the year — it's a work that celebrates a sense of renewalGavin Higgins

Great pride

MD Ian Porthouse added: "These are the type of projects that Tredegar takes great pride in being associated with.

Our thanks go Paul Hindmarsh and the World of Sound team who knitted things all together and to Gavin for his amazing music."