Now that’s what I call Brass!

Various Bands
WOB 102 CD
Total CD running time: 64.49

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Compilation CDs are a marketing dream. Over the course of a period of time, discs are sold with all kinds on them, and then in a bid to make even more money, the idea comes along to release a selection of well known tracks which have featured well during the aforementioned time scale. Everything comes full circle, because the principle idea then having purchased the compilation disc is that the individual will hear something they do not have in their collection and subsequently, be enticed to purchase the disc from where it was first released.

Of course, the concept works very well, as hundreds of discs get sold of all the best bits, regardless of the musical idiom it comes from. World of Brass cheekily admit that this release is not an original idea, but they have produced a double CD of some of the best tracks from 2002 and 2003.

The challenge though when sitting down with that blank piece of paper is making sure that the disc reflects some of the best music heard, and, artistically, that they are compatible on the recording. Here, World of Brass (hereafter referred to as WoB) have the got the mix right, and hopefully from their perspective, it will persuade people to purchase something they do not have in their collection.
When you look at the tracks on the double CD, somebody somewhere will always complain, that certain pieces should have been included, but WoB have given a balance between performances of substantial works for band, and the lighter stuff.

Yorkshire Building Society and Professor David King produced one (if not the) CD of 2003 with an enthralling recording of the music of Derek Bourgeois. Being honest, WoB could have chosen anyone of the pieces from the CD but opted to showcase ‘Apocalypse'. Composed for the Gala Concert at the 2003 European, Professor King requested that the music was one of the most difficult pieces ever written, and it certainly tests YBS. Recorded around six weeks before the European, it shows off every aspect of this band to its full. The music might not be everybody's cup of tea, but it is typical of Derek Bourgeois. Yes, it's aggressive, volatile in parts, giving reflections on some of the nasty things in life, but it also has some delightful lyrical stuff within it, that really does make it compelling listening. The playing is exceptional and it is one of those pieces that grow on you, the more times it is heard.

Two other tracks over fifteen minutes are featured. Firstly, Bram Gay's arrangement of Les Preludes from BAYV Cory's Brass Band Classics, Volume 2. Bands doing battle in the Grand Shield in 2004 will certainly be interested in this recording. It is playing of the highest class and in our review, 4BR described this track as ‘music first – contest winning second' Dr Robert Childs certainly pulls out all of the stops from his bands with plenty of musical nuances that have to be heard to be believed.

Soprano player, Stephen Barnsley shows the sop players what they will need to do well next May (and probably give them a few sleepless nights) but without doubt, Cory's performance is a welcome inclusion on the disc. The other major work (over fifteen minutes) comes from the Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklag at the 2003 Norwegian Championships. Of all the items selected, this was probably the first down on that blank piece of paper when the idea was formed.

Eikanger chose to play Gregson's ‘Trumpet of the Angels'. Its a demanding work, and features not just band and organ, but within it, includes one of the finest individual performances from a brass player, in the form of Martin Winter. The piece begins with some powerful playing from both band and organ, and then up steps Martin Winter. Imitating what is supposed to be a fallen angel, Martin performs a lengthy cadenza, which just leaves the listener, gob-smacked. It is really is unbelievable playing and thank goodness it was recorded for posterity. If you have not heard this performance yet, this is the excuse you need to purchase the CD.

The other ‘must have' inclusion comes from the solo recording, from yes, you've guessed it, Martin Winter. 4BR described this recording as ‘Stunning, absolutely Stunning', and WoB use those words as their strap line when advertising the CD. Once again, any number of tracks could have been included, but those with the authority went for the beautiful ‘A Child is Born'. Yes, it is easy to hype something up, but all brass players everywhere for the performances he produces time after time revere Martin. If he were a professional football player, he would be worth an awful lot of money, because Martin is a class act.

Celebration of the music of Wilfred Heaton and Eric Ball are featured as expected. Black Dyke give an impressive interpretation of Heaton's Le Tricot Rouge, and Ball's, A Kensington Concerto is presented in a performance of real quality.

The renowned International Staff Band of the Salvation Army are featured with the tone poem, ‘Just As I Am' (from the Heaton CD) and a compelling reading of Ball's ‘The Kingdom Triumphant' from their Ball tribute CD of the same name.

Hendon Band are featured with Barrie Gott's, ‘Swingtime Religion', and Salvation Army neighbours, Enfield, have ‘The Depths of Love' included from their CD, Journey into Freedom. Sheona White demonstrates her quality as a horn player with this track, and it also a worthy inclusion.

One of the most interesting releases of the past year was from Fodens and had Russell Gray as soloist. The album was the music of the great Arban, and Russell reminds everyone what a quality player he is with Variations sur Norma' – beautiful playing.

Other contributions feature a couple of tracks from the Europeans in 2003, and some old favourites from the classic concert repertoire. Eikanger and Stavanger feature from Norway with Black Bottom Stomp and Kongalela respectively.

No compilation CD would be complete without something from Grimethorpe. The best of British is featured with the favourite ‘Jerusalem', and from thier highly acclaimed ‘In Concert' disc, the classic regal march, Crown Imperial.

Grimethorpe have always been associated with virtuoso players, and former player used to love performing the Trumpet Concerto by Harry James. This disc features the superb playing of former Brighouse and Black Dyke player, Rod Franks in an arrangement by Ian McElligott of the Harry James classic. One of the most famous names in banding, Yorkshire Imperial feature in the traditional overture slot, with Colas Breugnon.

This disc will achieve its objective. A release of some of the best tracks over the past year providing the listener with the chance to hear music they have heard before, and more importantly, persuade them to purchase recordings that catch their attention, which they might have at first, overlooked.

Malcolm Wood

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