Now that’s what I call Brass: Vol 3

Volume 3: 2004 – 2005
Various artists and bands
World of Brass Recordings:Double CD: WOB 109CD
Total Playing Time: CD 1: 61.36. CD 2: 60.23

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This is the third release in the popular series that first appeared a couple of years ago to provide a year ending selection of the best bits from the catalogue of World of Brass.

Chosen by the hard working team based in Tiverton Street in London as well as the excellent graphic designer Gerard Klauke, they have proved to be a great idea – a brass band version of the pop music genre that is flogged on the television featuring the most popular songs from the most popular groups, and which this year in its ‘Now that's what I call' identity reaches no less than its 62nd incarnation in time for Christmas! As this is only the third this year, WoB have a bit of catching up to do!

Thankfully for those of good taste, this release does not feature a Westlife, Sugerbabes, G4 or any other manufactured bunch of talentless media created eye candy that now passes for pop music aimed at the pocket money of the under 12 market, and so we get a cracking compilation of 21 tracks that feature some excellently talented bands and equally fine solo artists who have made 2005 a pretty good year of CD releases from the World of Brass stable.

It also makes for an ideal prezzy for someone who is a serious brass band CD collector, as the pick and mix style is as tempting as a finger buffet at a New Year's Eve party. There is literally something for everyone here, from the serious (a cracking ‘Extreme Make-over' from Black Dyke at the Europeans and YBS with a scorching ‘Harrison's Dream') to the sublime (David Childs performing the solo ‘Peace' with Scottish Co-op and Nick Hudson with ‘World of Grace' with the Enfield Citadel Band) with plenty (and we do mean plenty) in between. 

It cannot be an easy task to pick even 21 tracks from the whole number contained in the releases of the past year, and the selection panel must be congratulated for their choices as they have picked some real gems that in other circumstances may have been overlooked.

One of which is the playing of Professor Hans Gansch with Brass Band Oberosterreich, which is a real jewel that shines with such lustre even though it is no bigger than small solitaire diamond. His complete command of his instrument is something to behold.

There are plenty of others too: John Doyle produces perhaps the best ‘Children of Sanchez' (which has quickly become the flugel players equivalent of ‘My Way') that you are likely to hear, whilst there is a lovely addition of Jason McCann singing ‘Music of the Night' with his father's band, Sellers International, which shows that something a bit different usually works a treat when done as well as this.

Pure brass band entertainment is not forgotten with the inclusion of Grimethorpe Colliery (UK Coal) and a couple of items from their winning programme from the 2004 Brass in Concert contest and the Salvationist movement has some lovely items included to showcase not only their traditional virtues of quality tonal playing but also more of the technical and contemporary nature too. 

All in all it makes for a most enjoyable release, put together with more than a fair amount of thought (although we think there may have been a few arguments too in the selection process!) and an eye to make it light enough to sit down to and enjoy at one sitting.

It makes for an ideal CD to put in the car to play on the way to work, or to download onto your iPod to listen to when you are trying to lose those extra few pounds from the waistline after Christmas in the gym. It is also a good way of giving you an idea of the quality and scope of what WoB has to offer, so you can add to you CD collection after being given a very tasty aperitif on the double CDs that make up this release.

Now that's what I call a good idea.

Iwan Fox.

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