Sing, Sang, Sung

Brass Band of Central Florida
Conductor: Michael J. Garasi
Soloists: Herb Bruce
Egon Recordings: CD SFZ133
Total Playing Time: 53.30

~ Buy with 4barsrest shopping

It’s hard to think of a brass band that has made such an impression on the collective consciousness at the top level of contesting in the last 10 years or so than Brass Band of Central Florida. 

4BR first heard them at the US Open a few years ago and were immediately bowled over by their sense of enthusiasm and collective musical personality. Yes, they were a touch ragged around the edges in comparative terms to top class bands in the UK, but, by heck they could play, with a splendid clutch of top notch solo line players and an MD who even on the most casual of glances was something a bit special.

Within a year we heard them again and a few months later they arrived in the UK to play at the British Open. What impressed you most about them was not just their hunger to improve and learn from whom they respectfully felt were the best bands in the business (and what a refreshing attitude that was), but by the way in which they could so quickly assimilate that thirst for knowledge into palpable results.  

Within such a short space of time they had refined their tonal palette, rounded off the rough edges, warmed the tone and sounded like a top class ‘British’ brass band. We had witnessed their rather unique brand of concert entertainment of course at the US Open once more, but come Brass in Concert last year they were ready to show everyone else too – and what an impression that made.

Thankfully, they also took the time to record this release – a mix of recorded studio material and their ‘live’ concert performance at Gateshead (although the date on the back sleeve is surely incorrect). The only disappointment perhaps is that there isn’t more to enjoy – at just over 53 minutes, it’s a short release and begs the question why more wasn’t recorded, as they certainly had the repertoire to do so? Still, it’s a hugely entertaining 53 or so minutes nonetheless. 

What we do get is some fabulous high tempo, high energy, big band inspired playing (they can genuinely swing and jazz – not a surprise really given the background of many of their players and especially their phenomenal drummer Sergio Carreno) but also some lovely more reflective playing too.

Where they still lack warmth is perhaps not surprisingly when they really open up, as the strength of the top end cornets (topped by the fine playing of soprano Dee McAfee and counter balanced by an exceptionally strong trombone section) tends to over power the middle band timbre. However, given their thirst for self-improvement it will only be a matter of time before that is rectified we are sure. 

Back to the recording though and the 12 tracks leave you well and truly entertained. The studio tracks are enhanced by the usual high standard of engineering by Brian Hillson and his team and although the ‘live’ tracks tend to be a touch less focused and have a quota of blips and blobs, they never distract from the musical picture the MD and his band strive to create.

It is the big band stuff that does take the breath away – the style is impeccably authentic and the underlying foundation from the percussion is superb (it couldn’t be anything less given the background of the MD). The solo lines are also so relaxed and natural too, with Herb Bruce on sparkling form in his solo item. The band swing as one – a much harder task to bring off than you may think, especially when you hear even a top UK band trying to do the same. They are object lessons to any band and conductor – and we do mean, any band. 

The two marches may just be a touch over enthusiastic, but are full of good ‘ol American verve whilst the two quieter items are neatly displayed and executed (they sing as good as any Welsh choir too). Michael J Garasi is a talented arranger and his big band items and the final rhapsody on the famous Napoli tune are stamped through with class and delivered with real aplomb.

It rounds off a short but very appetising release; a little different but enjoyable so (including the sleeve notes from Julian Bright, which include the startlingly wonderful phrase “…in the hallowed setting of Croyden Abbey, saw the two sessions that birthed the foundations for this special souvenir album.”).

You don’t get to read something like every time you buy a brass band CD now do you? Then again, you don’t get to hear a brass band like Central Florida every now again either.

Iwan Fox.

~ Buy with 4barsrest shopping

^back to top