Saturday 11 October
Royal Albert Hall, London

Test piece:
Concertino for Brass Band, Kenneth Downie

Adjudicators:
David Read, Jim Gourlay, David King

Commences: 1000hrs

What do we think?

An enjoyable day with a test piece that certainly sorted the bands out.

It’s Black Dyke for us though – quite outstanding today and worth the title by a clear couple of points. Fodens pushed them all the way and Cory will be within a hairsbreadth too. Leyland should be right in the mix with Grimethorpe’s defence getting amention off the number 1 slot. The final top six place is a battle between a few today but Tredegar may just get it ahead of Carlton Main, Fairey, Reg Vardy and Kirkintilloch.

4BR Prediction:

1. Black Dyke
2. Fodens
3. Cory
4. Leyland
5. Grimethorpe
6. Tredegar

Live comments:

Time: c. 1700
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Russell Gray, 20

Mvt 1:
Confident if scrappy opening has plenty of vibrancy. That ensemble insecurity continues and robs the picture of its precision. Heaton motifs are clearly defined and it ends solidly.

Mvt 2:
Emotional strings are pulled by MD – very loquacious this – touching on the sentimental. It’s persuasive though despite fragilities – they hurt some quite sublime playing. Another muted end!

Mvt 3:
Good solid playing this – technically adept and secure. Carries through with vibrancy to powerful ending of control and purpose.

Overall:
An slightly uneven one this. At times quite outstanding at others mediocre. Should hold its own though…

Time: c.1640
Desford Colliery, Nigel Seaman, 19

Mvt 1:
Poor start – lacks precision and clarity in ensemble. Takes time to settle and then it is scrappy. Dynamic contrasts are defined as are Heaton motifs but scrappy ensemble persists to the end.

Mvt 2:
Very lyrical in approach but the stylish musicality is undermined by some insecure ensemble. Not quite as emotionally dark as needed – it never quite settled either to a decent end.

Mvt 3:
Bravura playing but the vibrancy can’t hide the high error count. Uneven playing – between great and average to big bold ending.

Overall:
Not Desfored on top form. Had its moments but it was a scrappy one this

Time: c.1620
Virtuosi GUS, John Berryman, 18

Mvt 1:
Pacey opening is confidently delivered if lacking a little in contrast and detail. Solid enough but it sounds bland and just lacking that required spirit. Heaton motifs heard but slightly untidy end.

Mvt 2:
Not quite dark enough in texture for that melancholic feel. Solid but strangely un-engaging musically. Almost emotionally reserved. Remains technically secure to slightly flat ending.

Mvt 3:
Spirited but messy at times. Real contrasting detail is struggling to get through. It’s all there but just gets harsh to end.

Overall:
Solid, unpretentious and technically secure but there was more to be realised here perhaps. A maybe performance.

Time: c. 1600
Reg Vardy, Allan Ramsay, 17

Mvt 1:
Solid and confident playing. Rather safe in the dynamics means lack of real contrast. We get defined Heaton but lacks a degree of finesse. It’s the lacks of these details that hurt a decent delivery

Mvt 2:
Expansive emotion to start. More heart on sleeve than dark melancholy but solidly delivered with MDs intentions. Stylish playing this – bravely thought out to the end.

Mvt 3:
Vibrant and colourful playing. Just needs more subtle contrast but it’s all delivered with confident, technical solidity. Fine big end too.

Overall:
Interesting one this. Lots of good solid quality. A little more finesse perhaps but still a good one.

Time: c.1535
Rothwell Temperance, David Roberts, 16

Mvt 1:
Confident and bold playing. Precision is rather thumped out dynamically however. Lacks subtle contrasts but is very solid. Questionable balances but it hangs together with purpose.

Mvt 2:
Solid virtues in richly textured playing. A bit workmanlike but that’s not a bad things today. Emotionally cold but technically secure right to fine end. Well done sop.

Mvt 3:
More solid no nonsense playing. Perhaps lacking a touch of finesse but it is all secure and executed as required. Messy to close however.

Overall:
Perhaps a touch artisan but that is a real plus today. Could surprise this one.

Time: c.1515
Aveley and Newham, Nigel Taken, 15

Mvt 1:
Scrappy start lacks precision, clarity and detail. Recovers but it is so uneven in execution. The lack of ensemble security is hurting. Heaton motifs are heard but it lacks focus.

Mvt 2:
Lyrical approach is light in texture but is so well shaped by MD. The execution is nearly in line with intentions too – not always 100 percent secure. Neat close.

Mvt 3:
Messy this. Speed kills clarity and detail. Dynamics have little relevance. Poorly delivered this. Sounds harsh and tired to end.

Overall:
Disappointing overall – had moments but fleeting ones only.

Time: c.1455
Cory, Dr. Robert Childs, 14

Mvt 1:
Spotless clarity and precision. Detail and contrast even if some motifs are over enhanced. Such technical security though with space for Heaton motifs to be placed. Superb ending.

Mvt 2:
Darkly textured emotion – a bitter sweet feel. So technically secure this. Execution is nigh on faultless and so well shaped. Final chord wobbles.

Mvt 3:
Mpore technical brilliance – powerhouse playing. Vibrant and detailed. Awesome drive and rhythmic clarity right to a fantastic end.

Overall:
Right up there with the very best today. Enough to pip Dyke though? Perhaps not quite? We will see…

Time: c.1430
Kirkintilloch, Selmer Simonsen, 13

Mvt 1:
Starts confidently but the precision and clarity is uneven. Fluctuates throughout but never seems at ease. Heaton is heard but so too the costly errors.

Mvt 2:
Dark hued emotion has right degree of melancholy. Lovely lyrical shaping by MD – very nearly comes off perfectly. Great feel to almost spot on end.

Mvt 3:
Vibrant, colourful pacey and exciting. Detail is heard and drive to end is impressive if a little on edge at times. Powerful close.

Overall:
A performance that gained in considerable stature after a mediocre start.

Time: c.1410
Redbridge Brass, Jeremy Wise, 12

Mvt 1:
Poor start – lacks precision and clarity. Drive And momentum but its messy in ensemble at times. Heaton motifs are heard and it recovers poise. Just loses focus to close.

Mvt 2:
Broad lyricism is undermined by insecurities. Subtle shaping by MD bringing the melancholy through but again the execution doesn’t match intentions. Neatly closed.

Mvt 3:
A mixture of excellent and mundane. It really sparkles at times and then just fades. Messy now – dynamically. One-dimensional to the ending.

Overall:
A bit hit and miss this one. Had its moments but never quite had the required consistency.

Time:c.1350
Black Dyke, Dr. Nicholas Childs, 11

Mvt 1:
Real sharp edge clarity displayed from the off. Little clips but the detail and contrasts are so defined. Spacious motifs speak clearly all the way to screw-tight end.

Mvt 2:
Rich emotive playing. Dark hued character and shaping by MD. So much class in the execution. Beautiful playing despite the muted end.

Mvt 3:
Technical brilliance this. Diamond cutting edge to the detail. Drive and power too that matches contrasts in dynamics. Awesome ending.

Overall:
Raised the bar this one. Will take some beating this. Can anyone touch it?

At the half way point…

Half way point and the contest is still up for grabs. It’s Fodens for us at the moment ahead of Leyland with Grimethorpe in third. After that it could be Tredegar and Fairey.

It could change though over the next couple of hours so keep in touch!

1. Fodens
2. Leyland
3. Grimethorpe
4. Tredegar
5. Fairey

Time: c.1310
Leyland, Jason Katsikaris, 10

Mvt 1:
Great start – just has occasional clip but so much energy and drive and detail. We hear space and the Heaton motifs too. The odd blip but so much character too.

Mvt 2:
Lovely flow and dark richness to this. Not over sentimental too – just melancholy. So well shaped and executed this. Very classy.

Mvt 3:
Careful! High tempo and very bold in approach – just gets messy. Recovers with splendid verve and precision. Great ending!

Overall:
Right in the mix this – at the top end. Very high class from start to finish.

Time: c.1245
East Yorkshire Motor Services, Frans Violet, 9

Mvt 1:
Confident start has deliberate clean edged style. Safe enough this if a little bland. Heaton motifs come through. Decent stuff this. In tunes with MDs intentions.

Mvt 2:
Lyrical approach is persuasive although ensemble at times doesn’t knit together. Loses focus in execution – a pity. This is a musical approach. Camouflaged ending.

Mvt 3:
Sensible tempo but lacks bite and ensemble precision. Dynamically one dimensional as it tires to bold climax and end,

Overall:
Decent effort but one that fell away somewhat in second and third movements.

Time: c.1225
Mount Charles, Andrew Duncan, 8

Mvt 1:
Takes time to find precision and detail and clarity. Has drive and spirited purpose. Solid if bland. Heaton motifs are heard, but scrappiness returns to end.

Mvt 2:
Broad lyricism is undermined by lack of ensemble security. Rather meanders. It doesn’t engage the listener. Never quite knits together to the end.

Mvt 3:
Pacey but imprecise. Vibrant approach is rather messy if exciting. Colourful playing – just loses focus to end.

Overall:
Another performance where the execution failed to meet the musical intentions.

Time: c.1205
SWT Woodfalls, Melvin White, 7

Mvt 1:
Plenty of pace and drive but the lack of detail is apparent. Dynamically it’s one-deimentional even if ensemble is fairly solid. Untidy to end.

Mvt 2:
Fine musical shape but the ensemble insecurities rob the dark melancholic feel. All rather bland. Execution doesn’t match musical intentions – muted end sums it up.

Mvt 3:
Has pace but once again the ensemble precision is wayward. Struggles this – badly at times. Gets second wind to end.

Overall:
The musical intentions were there but the execution was far too behind to make any impressions.

Time: c.1145
Fodens, Garry Cutt, 6

Mvt 1:
Takes time to find the razor sharp precision. A little uneven at times but so much clarity is displayed too. Great Heaton motifs leads to a wonderful ending.

Mvt 2:
So well laid out this – dark melancholy emotion. Very high class playing. Superb control and so classily delivered. Last note just fails.

Mvt 3:
Yep! So much quality. So sharp, clean and clear. Great dynamic contrast. Power and drive. Controlled push to huge ending.

Overall:
Right up there. So much class and quality on show. The leader for us so far.

Time: c.1125
Fairey, Philip Chalk, 5

Mvt 1:
Strong purposeful playing which is secure. Lacks dynamic contrast but everything is in place. Evident Heaton motifs – just a little scrappy to end.

Mvt 2:
More solidity and ensemble security. A little artisan emotionally but well delivered. Now there are the little extra touches of class. Just hangs in there to end.

Mvt 3:
Good solid playing again. A little one-dimensional but its all laid out with secure execution. Power and drive right to the end.

Overall:
A quality one this. Full of solid virtues. Should do well.

Time: c.1100
BTM Band, Philip Harper, 4

Mvt 1:
Poor start takes time to gain precision and drive at prosaic tempo. Scrappy this. We hear Heaton motifs but ensemble insecurity is detracting.

Mvt 2:
Lyrical flow is well shaped and delivered. There is a lot of real high quality playing now. Just the odd moment or two, but just hangs in to end.

Mvt 3:
Playful style but the scrappy ensemble detract from the vibrant approach. Moments of real clarity but too few. Decent close.

Overall:
Outer movements will surely cost in an uneven account.

Time: c.1040
Tredegar, Ian Porthouse, 3

Mvt 1:
Powerful and precise to start – lots of detail but scrappy moments too. Heaton motifs are heard clearly – just gets edgy but recovers to fine close.

Mvt 2:
Very expressive playing – richly textured and detailed. Not always secure in ensemble. Very musical but little clips take gloss off.

Mvt 3:
Exciting stuff at high speed too. Edge of seat stuff. Detail is heard too. Red blooded tour de force playing. Scrappy at times but huge ending.

Overall:
A very good one but clips may cost though.

Time: c.1020
Whitburn, Steven Mead, 2

Mvt 1:
Has drive and purpose, but is scrappy and lacks detailed contrasts at times. The Heaton motifs are heard but just tempered by ensemble looseness.

Mvt 2:
An emotive flow is so well shaped with rich dark tones. Not always technically secure but musically very persuasive. Sop muted to end?

Mvt 3:
Plenty of bite but it is edgy and scrappy at times. Great sounds and drive. Control and power to close.

Overall:
An enjoyable musical account, just undermined by ensemble insecurity. Decent though.

Time: 1000
Grimethorpe Colliery, Allan Withington, 1

Mvt 1:
Razor sharp start – precise and detailed. We hear the Heaton motifs – huge contrast too. A little messy to end.

Mvt 2:
Real expression and dark melancholy. Beautifully shaped by MD. Little clips but so well crafted this. So poised to close.

Mvt 3:
Tour de force – and at very high speed. Immense sounds, detail and precision. Odd scrappy moment or two; Sop early at end? Huge finish.

Overall: Can’t have done more. Is beatable though but it will take some beating.