Jubilee

The International Staff Band of The Salvation Army
Conductor: Staff Bandmaster Stephen Cobb
SP&S Ltd: SPS180 CD
Total Playing Time: 71.26 mins

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According to reports emanating from the band's recent tour of The United States and Canada, interest in the cd "Jubilee", produced in conjunction with the trip, has been extremely high, and further supplies had to be shipped out to meet the demand. It would appear likely to be one of their biggest sellers ever, and as always expectations are therefore very high.

One of the roles the ISB fulfils is that of presenting new music prior to publication, and most of the items on the latest disc are very recent, including a number of premiere recordings, with two major works by writers whose names will probably be unfamiliar to brass enthusiasts in the UK.

The opening fanfare, To a God like This, is based around a song written by the current General of The Salvation Army, John Larsson, for the musical Hosea. It makes for an effective start, as the music gradually builds, with the flattened notes in the harmonies seeming to increase the air of expectancy, although it is a little predictable, due to the repeated rhythmic patterns of the original song.

Kenneth Downie, commissioned to write the test piece for the 2004 European Brass Band Championships, is here represented by three pieces; two fairly straightforward arrangements to which he brings his customary skill and insight, and one more extended work. The Hebrew word "Shekinah" is used to describe "the radiance of God's presence in the midst of his people" and the piece is built around the prayer chorus "Spirit of the living God", making much use of the descending phrase "fall afresh on me".

Credo, written by Lorne Barry, a Canadian currently living in Australia, focuses on the need for the Christian to be certain of his beliefs, using the songs "'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus" and "Simply trusting". It is a work that depicts something of the conflicts passed through on the journey of faith, and is quite complex at times, with various elements being presented, and then combining in a final positive affirmation "Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him". The writing is at times reminiscent of James Curnow, especially some of the euphonium writing and the open textures. Generally effective, there is some shrillness towards the end, particularly in the cornet section, and the sound is a little forced in the final bars.

Kevin Ashman, for many years the ISB soprano player, is now occupying the "hot seat" as Principal Cornet, and he produces an account of Richard Phillips' Joyous Song that is full of confidence, and that shows his clear tone and technical prowess to the full. Based around another John Larsson melody, with Richard's own setting of "It is a thing most wonderful" used very effectively in the slow central section, the accompaniment, very busy at times, still allows the solo line to come through. With wide-ranging arpeggio figures and energetic scalic passages it is a real test, and Kevin passes with flying colours!

Silent Vigil reflects on Bramwell Coles' song "How can I better serve thee, Lord", and Kenneth Downie's treatment seems to imply something of the inner turmoil as crises are overcome leading to the final commitment to the Lord's service. The sections of the band blend effectively and the ebb and flow of the phrases are well controlled.

The major work from Kenneth Downie, entitled Christus Victor uses references to the hymn tune "Regent Square" together with two more modern worship songs, the energetic "Soon and very soon", made popular by Andre Crouch, and the more reflective, but no less affirmative "All hail the lamb". The treatment of Soon and very soon reminds one of Peter Graham's "Shine as the light" with decorative features surrounding the tune. It may be that some will feel that the juxtaposition of styles in this piece does not quite come off, particularly the use of a rock-style drum kit at times, although there is undoubtedly some fine playing by the band.

Paul Drury, who plays bass in Edinburgh Gorgie Band and is employed by a charity working with the homeless, has modelled the march Jubilee on the American circus band marches. As such it is taken at a tremendous pace - 2.21 is the duration here, although the tour website claims a timing of 1.57 in one tour venue! It is certainly a cracking march, although even the ISB basses and trombones are hard-pressed to articulate the bass figures with total clarity - for that, turn to the New York Staff, a little slower at 2.50, but with that extra definition.

Derick Kane's solo item is Stephen Bulla's Euphonium Fantasia, based on Henry Purcell's tune "Westminster Abbey", and setting soloist against band very effectively. The accompaniment, which has many pitfalls, is handled very sensitively, whilst Derick displays his customary facility, both in the slower, lyrical sections and where lightning finger-work is called for.

This is followed by one of the highlights of the disc, a setting by William Gordon of the spiritual Sinner, please don't let this harvest past. It is beautifully played by trombonist Andrew Justice, who uses a wide range of expression in a first-class emonstration of both technique and musicianship.

Peter Graham, whose music is very familiar in banding circles, is a product of the corps at Ayr Citadel, and his march of that name incorporates a song that was popular in his days in the Singing Company (junior choir) in the 1970s. If not as distinctive as some new marches, it will no doubt be widely used and is played well by the band, making the marks and accents where appropriate.

Although vocalists have featured on the ISB programmes down through the years it has been some time since any vocal item, either chorus or solo, has been featured on a recording. That omission is rectified here by Gary Rose, who presents David Meece's song We are the Reason, arranged by Richard Phillips. He is able to communicate well with an audience, and the words come across clearly, even when the accompaniment increases in intensity, and this is another highlight of the disc.

The final item comes from the pen of Dean Jones, a bandsman at Staines Corps and a member of the Music Ministries team at territorial Headquarters.

Dedicated to the memory of Retired Bandmaster Jim Hopkin, also of Staines Corps, Glorifico Aeternum features the traditional hymn "Now thank we all our God", but in a rhythmic treatment that would certainly cause the congregation some problems! It certainly makes for an exciting and energetic opening, and leads into a more reflective passage using the more modern song "Somebody prayed for me". "Nun danket" appears again, but in a minor key variation, with a rhythmic backing, linked with the contemporary tune "Lord reign in me". The dramatic finale is based around a broad statement of the tune St Columba, combined with other livelier figures heard earlier, making for a final affirmation of commitment to, and reliance on, God, the King of Love.

As was stated earlier, the prospect of a new recording from the ISB raises all sorts of expectations, and they certainly have high standards to live up to. There may be those who would have preferred to have seen at least one older work included, and there may be reservations over the combination of modern songs and choruses with more traditional hymn tunes. Some of the newer pieces will undoubtedly have more impact on those who are already familiar with the tunes used, although the sleeve notes, by Kevin Ashman, do
a good job of explaining the background.

Having said that, the newer works do reward repeated listening, particularly Glorifico Aeternum, and the solo items are to the customary high standard. The dynamic range and contrast may not quite match those of some bands, but the playing throughout is more than competent, and, if the programme appeals, there is much to enjoy.

Peter Bale

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