Ashton–Under–Lyne Band

Conductor: John Maines

Glossop Band Club
19th January 2003

The band conducted by John Maines was in good form as they opened with their new signature tune, Ashton Blue, composed for them by the conductor.

The band continued in traditional fashion with an overture in the shape of Rossini's Barber of Seville. The audience, which was small but appreciative, welcomed the inclusion of this fine piece from the archives and it brought the best out of the band with some good solid sounds and quality "corner men" standing out.

Next euphonium soloist Nigel Lawless played Maines' arrangement of The Last Rose of Summer. This sensitive and expressive rendering showed just why Nigel is regarded as one of the pillars of this popular band.

The music of Barrie Gott has for a long time proved popular with audiences all over the world and a new offering from this highly talented man was next on the menu. Written in the swing style favoured by Gott, Daniel had the audience tapping their feet and brought a great response from them.

Horn soloist Matthew Maines has played for a number of our finest bands including Wms Fairey, Leyland as well as solo horn for the NYBB and in Demelza he displayed his musical qualities and golden sound that have made him a respected member of the band world. After an entertaining three minutes of Strauss' Czech Polka the band finished the first half with Ken Downie's exciting Dance Fever which showed the band off as a class outfit with some fast moving work that all came off pat.

The second half opened in bright fashion with Robert Redhead's march Friends Forever. Once again the band were slick with a good sound and extremely tightly drilled.

Dave Priestley on trombone played another of John Maines' arrangements, Fats Waller's Ain't Misbehavin'. This solo ideally suited Dave's fine trombone style. One of the few players who have the versatility to switch from one style to another at the flick of a switch.

The percussion section took centre stage once again to open Pastime With Good Company as they introduced a superb trombone section in this popular Stephen Roberts arrangement.

Two contrasting numbers next were Robbie Williams' Angels and a lovely controlled reading of Philip Wilby's setting of The Day Thou Gavest, spoiled only by the noisy clatter of the bass trombone's mute in the quietest moment of the piece! The band ended the concert with an exciting show of The Gael arranged by Andy Duncan where the excellent percussion section once again warrant a mention. Playing as well as Ashton did the crowd naturally wanted more and more they got!

John Maines told the audience of the mis-deeds of German composer Herman Blankenberg before finishing, officially this time with Salute to Thurungia.

All in all a highly entertaining concert with a fine band and soloists and a conductor who guided us through the evening with the usual consummate ease he is so well known for.

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