Heritage

City of Cardiff (Mellingriffith) Band
Conductor: Gareth Ritter
Soloists: Owen Farr, Gareth Jones, Alan Gwynant, John Roberts, Alexander Rees, Ben Clarke, Fiona Howard, Terry Lax.
Dolce Recordings: CD07
Total Playing Time: Approx 70 minutes

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The name of the Mellingriffith Band is one that stirs memories for many bandsmen and women – a band with a proud history, and as the title of this enjoyable release states, a rich and vibrant heritage. 

Throughout their history they have experienced highs and lows, from being perhaps the premier brass band in Wales to very nearly being lost in the mists of time.  Thankfully they have survived and although they are no longer the Mellingriffith Band the famous name stands proudly as an integral part of a rejuvenated City of Cardiff Brass Band that today has a bright future ahead of itself.

One of the reasons for the sense of optimism is that the band has decided to invest heavily in youth and it is great to hear the talented raw material of their Training Band giving of their best for this release with their contributions. 

Meanwhile, the musical heritage of the band is firmly entwined in the career of one man – the great ‘Welsh Sousa’ TJ Powell, who was appointed as Musical Director in 1920 (although in those days we think that grandiose title wasn’t used as much as plain old, conductor). Powell was a quite remarkable character with an innate ability to write colourful and enjoyable marches in particular.  

Many of these pieces were perhaps destined never to see the light of day again when the band was close to extinction, but with remarkable foresight the Atkins family who played in the band during his long tenure managed to save them - the results of which are wonderfully displayed here.

Tenor horn star Owen Farr is the guest soloist on the release and his performance of the waspish ‘Suo Gan’ air and variations is delivered with a delicious virtuosity.  It’s a slightly strange take on the traditional air varie format too and perhaps shows that the composer was ahead of his time.  

The march ‘Roadster’ which hails from around the turn of the outbreak of the Second World War is also a little gem of a piece and showcases the composers ability to make the most of the most simple thematic material. 

The intriguingly title ‘The Spacemen’ was originally called ‘Battle Axe’ but by the time it was written in early 1960’s even the darkest parts of South Wales were fascinated by the race to the moon.  Finally we get to hear a real curiosity and Powell’s ‘Pulsation’ a little rhythmic piece that could well have been written for those little interlude potter wheel ads on the television of the 1950’s. 

Elsewhere the main band do themselves proud with their contributions, especially the soloists who are all on solid form, whilst the MD deserves a pat on the back for the way in which he allows the music to flow throughout. The quality and consistency does vary at times, but the again what would you expect, but there is an admirable sense of style and the enthusiasm is self evident.

Well produced by Dolce Recordings this is a fine advert for a hard working band that has not lost its sense of historical identity and the contribution made by one of the great Welsh brass composers. Even 40 years or more after his death, TJ Powell is bringing enjoyment to a new generation of players. He would have been delighted with that we are sure.

Iwan Fox.

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