Celtic Connections
19-Oct-2002
Sellers International Band
Conductor: Phillip McCann
CD: SB15
Total Playing Time: Approx 70 mins
Soloists: Kirsty Abbotts, Rupert Trippett, Leah Williams, Gavin Woods.
Featuring: Narrator - Thom Meredith, Celeste - Timothy Smith, Vocal - Stephanie Helliwell, Highland Bagpipes - Dougie Pincock.
There has been a preponderance of alliterative CD titles of late in the banding world - anything and everything has just about been tried as a tongue twisting marketing ploy - some successfully, some not, so it was with a little apprehension that we approached the latest of the releases of the rhyming slang type from the Sellers International Band under Phillip McCann.
Given that many of the 13 tracks featured have been heard on other releases, we may have been forgiven for thinking that this was something of a rehash production - but we were wrong. Even though some of the content has been performed before, there is enough new material here to satisfy the most demanding listener whilst those items that have been released elsewhere are given fresh and quality performances.
The first thing to establish then is the relationship between the title and the content of the CD itself - there is no work of the title name to be seen or heard and most of the tracks themselves have only the most tenuous "Celtic" link. However, there is a very strong (and talented) Celtic connection between Phillip McCann, the bands Principal Conductor and the men who provide the music featured - Peter Graham, Andrew Duncan (Composer in Residence for the Band), Alan Fernie and Kenneth Downie - Scots and proud of it, whilst the production is skilfully handled by Bob McDowell Snr and the art work is imaginatively created by Phillip McCann's own son. Lots of men in kilts then, whilst David Armitage, the Chairman and benefactor of the band is a Yorkshireman - some men have a cross to bear.
The recording was made in April 2002 and therefore sees Sellers back on fine form under their conductor - after a few dodgy years it must be said when he was away from the fold. The reinstated partnership has proved very beneficial and Sellers are once again moving towards the top of the contesting tree - and on this evidence you can hear why.
The arrangements and original works have a quality about them (Some of Andy Duncan's work has also been featured on the latest YBS release - some rather less successfully it must be said), but these arrangements from both him and his fellow Scots are of a different class. The soloists are also on fine form with Kirsty Abbotts in particular showing that she will be greatly missed (she has since moved to Carlton Main) and Leah Williams, Gavin Woods and Rupert Trippett showing off their talents to the full.
"Tubby the Tuba" is a joyful party piece that benefits from a nice bit of narration from Thom Meredith, whilst the obligatory "Windows of the World" excerpts are very neatly handled. "I Love a Parade" and "The Irish Blessing" are also well done, whilst "For the Love of a Princess" shows a band with a full rich tone and balance - features of Sellers over the years.
The overture to "Lawrence of Arabia" is new to us - and is a compact little gem, (Lawrence was a Welshman, so there is a Celtic connection of sorts here) whilst Andy Duncan's "A Manchester Tale" is a work of real character and musical expanse. "Hedwigs Theme" benefits from some atmospheric Celeste playing - adding colour and a touch of the mysterious to proceedings, which makes it a much more interesting piece than the other times we have heard it (a pity the same can't be said of the film though), whilst we really liked "Alone with my Thoughts" which featured some sweet vocals from Stepahnie Helliwell and some authentic wailing from the pipes of Dougie Pincock.
Overall, this is a quality release from a band that is fast making strides back to the position it held a few years ago as one of the top tier outfits in the UK. The band seems to have found its sense of belief again under Phillip McCann, and although there is still much work to be done to ensure that they are consistent contenders at the top contests, on this evidence the foundations are firmly in place.
What's on this CD?
1. Tubby the Tuba, G. Kleinsinger, Words by Paul Tripp, Arr A. Duncan, 9.34
Soloist: Gavin Woods
Narrator: Thom Meredith
2. I Love A Parade, Harold Arlen arr A. Fernie, 3.59
3. Windows of the World, Peter Graham, 8.33
i. Drums of Thunder
ii. Rainforest
iii. Amazonia
4. In Trutina from Carmina Burana, Carl Orff, arr A. Duncan, 4.10
Soloist: Kirsty Abbotts
5. Overture: Lawrence of Arabia, M. Jarre arr A. Duncan, 3.45
6. In the wee small hours of the Morning, Mann and Hilliard arr Alan Fernie, 3.27
Soloist: Rupert Trippett
7. Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, John Williams arr . A. Duncan, 4.29
Celeste: Timothy Smith
8. For the love of a Princess (Braveheart, James Horner arr A. Duncan, 4.06
9. The Piper O’ Dundee, Kenneth Downie, 5.28
Soloist: Leah Williams
10. A Manchester Tale, A. Duncan, 7.37
11. Alone with my Thoughts, Erik Spence arr . A. Duncan, 4.45
Vocal Soloist: Stephanie Helliwell
Highland Bagpipes: Dougie Pincock
12. Reunion and Finale (from Gettysburg, Randy Edelman arr A. Duncan, 4.56
13. The Irish Blessing (Bacak) 2.52
