Epic Brass

Highlights of the 2001 Nationals Finals Gala Concert from the Royal Albert Hall.
Black Dyke, International Staff Band of the Salvation Army, Symphonic Brass of London
Conductors: Nicholas Childs, Stephen Cobb, Eric Crees
SP&S Recordings: SPS 153 CD

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The return of the Gala Concert to the National Finals weekend has been one of the most welcome revivals since Lazarus popped back and did a Frank Sinatra comeback all those years ago. For many it was the natural ending to a festival of brass banding that was really the showcase for the movement as a whole.

The 20th October 2001 therefore saw a revival in all it's glory with new space age technology supplementing the traditional aspects of a joint concert between the new National Champions, the best band in the Salvation Army and a travelling troupe of professional orchestral musicians. The result wasn't perfect by any means but it was far more preferable to the usual Saturday night London entertainment of the Lloyd Webber variety. Given that we were treated to the images of both bands (and a disturbingly 1984'ish image of Nicholas Childs as "Big Brother" booming down on us) via two large video screens that also doubled as a video karaoke display for many of the items, it was a night to remember for sure.

The live recording then gives us a taste of the night and even though not every item is as "Epic" as the CD suggests, it's still a pretty good musical argument for making the Gala concert an annual occasion.

Dyke are up first and were obviously in celebratory mood as new National Champions as Nicholas Childs took them on a whip through "Toccata in D Minor" that was on warp factor 9 and got to the end in a blur of fingers and tongues. Great fun if nothing else.

David Thornton then gives a superb account of himself as the newly crowned "Euphonium Player of the Year", with a showcase rendition of "Brillante" complete with multiphonics that confirms his position as one of the very best practitioners of the instrument, before Dyke end their first half spell with another up tempo run through the "Toccata from Suite Gothique". Again it seems that everyone is in a bit of a hurry to carry on the celebrations of their National win in the bar, and it's all a bit messy. The addition of the organ meanwhile didn't do anything on the night other than give you a disturbing vibration in your underpants as the old bit of plumbing was cranked up to full output. Not really "Epic" then, but when you've waited seven years to reclaim the top prize in the brass band world – who cares?

The ISB brought a measure of sobriety to proceedings and some lovely playing on "I know art mine" and "Rejoice! The Lord is King" – and they reveal themselves as a band of immense technical as well as musical talent. Stephen Cobb directs things with a light touch and the message of the music is never: it's all understated and all the better for it.

Not so the Symphonic Brass of London who under the baton of Eric Crees almost display a detached air of indifference to the proceedings. The playing is technically fine, but it sounds a lifeless performance and is almost disappointing as a result. You admire the execution but you just wish it had a bit more brio and verve to it.

The winning performance of "Albion" by Black Dyke however is the exact opposite. Straight from the word go this is an immensely satisfying reading of Jan Van der Roost's fine work. The individual playing especially from the cornets and Michelle Ibbotson on sop is top class and there is always a sense of the music moving with a pulse and vibrancy – greatly helped by some very fine percussion work from the lads in the shed building department. Come half way through and you can sense the drive that ultimately ends with a climactic affirmation of brilliance. This was a performance out of the very top drawer from Dyke and deservedly saw them take the National trophy back home to Queensbury for the first time since 1995, and is worth the price of the CD alone.

Roger Webster and David Daws also confirm their "superstar" status with some beautiful work on "Wonderful Words" and "Glorious Ventures". Both are wonderful technicians on the cornet, but both have an innate sense of musicality. Forget the tricks and even Roger Webster's singing and listen to how they play, and not just what they play. It's a lesson for any student.

The last bit of the CD and the concert was filled with the traditional massed bands items, although in this case they were top class arrangements from Peter Graham of "Also Sprach Zarathustra", Howard Snell of "March from the Pines of Rome" and Gordon Langford of "The Lost Chord". All come off well enough – loud and rousing and a fitting end to a very enjoyable night.

Take the time to enjoy the experience with this release and especially the performance of Dyke winning the National with a performance that confirms that they are now very much back to their very best. Their performance of "Albion" deserves the epithet "Epic" in bold capital letters.

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