On a World Tour

Brighouse & Rastrick Band
Conductor: David Hirst
On A World Tour
Obrasso CD 895
Total Playing Time: 65'41.

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The latest recording from B & R on the Obrasso label is sixty-five minutes of real fun and enjoyment.  All the music, with the exception of one piece comes from the redoubtable talents of Alan Fernie and Goff Richards and none of it is over-demanding on the ear. This is another of those discs where you can sit back, relax, and before you know it, this 'World Tour' will be over.

The opening one hundred and ten seconds of the disc, featuring some luscious ensemble playing in the traditional 'Just a Closer Walk With Thee' sets the tone for everything that follows.  To say it is laid back is an understatement; easy paced, no hurry, but smooth as silk.  The rest of the band comes in and has fun right after.

Not content with just one spiritual number, the band performs a 'Southern Gospel Suite', a mix of Kumbaya, Deep River, and finally, Down By The Riverside, performed with the razzmatazz that the number demands in whichever musical form it is performed.

For complete contrast, enjoy the delightful sounds of the two Alan's - Morrison and Hobbins, in traditional mood.   The prinicipal cornet demonstrates that whatever style of solo he presents, he is a dabb hand, in Carickfergus, whilst Alan Hobbins demonstrates why he is one of the leading voices of the soprano cornet, on a visit to Scarborough Fair.

The band can take you wherever you want to go on this musical journey.  The UK, Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, Mexico, even Armenia for a lively fire dance, the choice is varied; and no journey is complete without a visit to America.

The cornet section are in buoyant mood as they enjoy a 'Mexican Holiday', and not to be outdone, the trombone section takes you to sunny Spain for some 'Spanish Trombones'. It is all non demanding stuff, but the playing is of a very high quality and a serious approach to making a fine release is evident. (It is easy at times to be dismissive of lightweight tracks such as these, but when they approached in such a professional manner as Brighouse do here it is a bit of a gem) 

Steve Miles on euphonium is featured twice as a soloist.  Firstly, Steve has a Night in Havana, before performing the delightful 'amambe No Uta, better known perhaps as Song of the Seashore.

The only non Alan Fernie/Goff Richards track is Basso Brazilio by Roy Newsome. Featuring David Hebb, it is the longest track of the whole disc (6'21). David demonstrates the wealth of individual talent around the stand, in this enjoyable item.

CD recordings of easy listening in the brass band idiom don't seem complete these days without something of a 'celtic' feel.  This recording is no different as Brighouse perform Goff Richards' The Celt of Glencoe'- a lively number that will certainly get the toes tapping.

Elsewhere, the band are at ease in Havah Nagilah, they have great fun in Slovenian Spring, and don't be surprised if you find yourself dancing away when you hear the traditional Mambo number.

A Jewish Folk-Festival brings this light entertainment recording to a close, but the 'piece de resistance' of this disc is the Goff Richards arrangement of An American Trilogy - a mix of three great American songs known the world over as Oh I Wish I Was In Dixie, Battle Hymn of The Republic and Hush, Little Baby, Don't You Cry. It is all Evis circa 1972, in white jump suit, hi karate kicks and a wonky pelvis once more. Our only gripe was that no one could mutter the immortal words - "One more time" like the King himself!

Aficionados of Brighouse & Rastrick and enjoyable light music lovers should consider this for inclusion in that CD collection.  The band is in great form throughout on this release from Obrasso.

Malcolm Wood

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