Immortal Themes

Andrew Justice - Trombone
International Staff Band of the Salvation Army
Conductor: Bandmaster Stephen Cobb
SP&S Recordings: SP&S128CD
Playing Time: 58 mins approx

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The Salvation Army is blessed with many fine soloists in their brass bands, and the International Staff Band in particular has players that would grace with distinction any top class-contesting band in the country. Derick Kane and David Daws are two that readily come to mind, but there is little doubt on the evidence put before us by Andrew Justice that he too is as good as any we have come to hear and admire on the contesting stages of the Albert Hall or Symphony Hall.

Andrew Justice is a fourth generation Salvationist, whose grandfather and father both played with the Corps in their lifetime. Andrew also benefited from a mother who was a gifted pianist and teachers of the calibre of John Bird and Harold Nobes, whilst he studied under Harold Price. He later qualified as an architect and moved to London to come under the influence of James Williams at the Enfield Citadel Band and latterly became Deputy Bandmaster there. He has been a featured soloist throughout the UK and abroad in his time as Principal Trombone of the ISB – a position he has held with distinction since 1986.

This solo release emphasises how good a player he is. A classical traditional trombone sound, allied to a secure technique that has no weaknesses and an innate sense of understanding of the relationship between the words and meanings of the texts that invariable provide the inspiration to the music he plays.

Therefore we get ten tracks (although not all of them are from Salvationist composers) that reveal a player who can command varying styles with an aplomb born of quality musicianship. The way in which he plays simple linear phrases is a joy and there is nothing is ever over stated just for effect. At times it may sound simple, but making it sound as such is an immense skill.

The main track is the "Immortal Theme" – written by Arthur Rolls, himself a trombonist of note in 1962 and is in the form of a three-movement concerto. It is high quality writing and is given a high quality performance. "Wonderful Healer" was originally a vocal solo and transcribes wonderfully here, whilst "Cavatine" by Saint Saens is a simple yet expressive work that shows off the soloists' control of phrase and line to great effect.

"Count Your Blessings" is a joyful Arthur Prior type "show off" solo whilst "Hold thou my hand" has a Puccini like quality to it that conveys a feeling of comfort and understanding that we are not alone in our journey through life. Originally written for solo voice it transcribes well here. "The Cross on the Hill" by Brenton Broadstock however is the highlight of the release for us. Beautifully realised and with deep spiritual references and meanings throughout, it is a musical portrait of a Tuscan hillside on which local people built a cross to remind them of the sacrifice Jesus made to save us all. The music rise and falls with dramatic effect and the overall impression left is of a deeply moving and emotionally satisfying work.

Terry Camsey's "Sing a Happy Song" is a finger snapping, toe tapping item that Andrew Justice plays with an innate sense of fun and considerable blues technique and "The Pilgrim's Prayer" is recorded in it's original form, and leaves a satisfying musical imprint on the mind. Lastly there are two differing pieces in the form of "Joy in my Soul" and "Whisper a Little Prayer " that is enjoyable and effective. Andrew Justice gives wholesome performances and is in complete control of the "Blues" section in he former in particular.

This is a release from a very fine player indeed, and if the repertoire is different, then its all the better for it, as Andrew Justice reveals that high quality trombone playing isn't always about amazingly adroit pyrotechnics and effects. This is playing of a very high standard from a player of very high class.

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