Williams Fairey Band

Conductor: Richard Evans

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 2nd March 2003

Whilst Yorkshire's finest bands battled for places in London in October, Williams Fairey band presented an evening of 'Brass Band Classics' to a standard that was worthy of them carrying the title 'National Champion Band of Great Britain'. Under the direction of Richard Evans Williams Fairey commenced the concert with the march Imperial Echoes.

The band appeared from the outset to be in good form, and from here, went into the Overture Die Fledermaus by Strauss, and with some beautiful sounds from around the band, produced a performance that was very easy on the ear. Fairey's chose showcase four of their soloists on the night, and first up was soprano player, Kevin Crockford. Kevin chose to play Simon Kerwin's arrangement of Nuns chorus from Casanova. Not surprisingly, Kevin delighted the audience with a performance of a high standard.

The name Jones & Crossland Band from the Midlands will revive memories no doubt for people. This band came to mind as Ian Porthouse, Lee Rigg and Neil Heywood stepped forward to play Stephen Roberts arrangement of 'Way Down Yonder in New Orleans'. Back in the 80s, the band under the guidance of Mr Roberts played this piece at the Granada Band of the Year contest and before Fairey's played it, had not heard it elsewhere by any other band. It goes without saying that the standard from these three instrumentalists was superb. As anyone that has done will admit, playing a solo is not easy, and credit and a big thank you goes to you gentlemen.

Whenever a brass band presents some classical music at a concert, their is always an outside bet that Gordon Langford's selection of music from Bizet's Carmen will feature in the programme. No surprises then for guessing Fairey's next item, and whether those present had heard it five or fifty times, it was presented with a touch of freshness by the band. Richard and Fairey's continued with the ‘film music slot' and Hedwig's Theme from Harry Potter arranged by Andy Duncan for brass band. Owen Farr chose for his solo-spot his own arrangement of the old favourite ‘Carnival of Venice'. Without question, this rendition by Owen was certainly the outstanding virtuoso performance of the night. Richard Evans spoke about Owen's ability in the lead up to the solo, and this young man certainly did not let anybody down. It was an impeccable demonstration of this man's talents and it was no wonder he received a rapturous ovation at the end.

The first half came to and end with arrangement by William Gordon of Tchaikovsky's Symphony Number 2, which is known as the ‘Little Russian'. The only words required to describe it ‘simply superb'

The second half was a mirror-image of what had been presented earlier in the evening – a well balanced programme which was delivered with top class solo and ensemble playing. It commenced with the traditional music from Henry V' - Agincourt Song. Throughout the 70s, Chuck Mangione was a celebrity. His purposely lightweight music was melodic pop that was upbeat, optimistic and sometimes uplifting. Mangione's records were big sellers yet few of his fans from the era knew that his original goal was to be a bebopper. In 1978, his soundtrack ‘The Children of Sanchez' was nominated for a Golden Globe award. The aforementioned ‘Children of Sanchez' has crept into some of our top band's repertoire of late and Neil Hewson put his own interpretation of this hit on show for all in attendance, and as usual, did not disappoint.

Howard Snell of course needs no introduction, and the band from Stockport chose Mr Snell's arrangement of Brasiliera from Scaramouche by Milhaud. Whatever the style of music being played, Fairey's did not disappoint all night and this was none more in evidence then when they play chose ‘W N' and ‘Nimrod' from Elgar's Enigma Variations. This was beautiful playing – so gentle and tender – and meticulously controlled by Richard Evans. The final soloist of the night was 4BR's Player of 2002 – Euphonium player Morgan Griffiths. Morgan chose the Allegro from Mozart's Bassoon Concerto and once again, we had some wonderful playing and can only echo what Mr Evans said at the end ‘Sheer Class'

The traditional Fifth of August (Brigg Fair) was neatly played, before Fairey's concluded their programme with the Dances from West Side Story by Bernstein. It was a magnificent way to bring the official part of the concert to a close. For an encore, Fairey's focussed on their vocal chords, by entertaining everybody with ‘There is nothing like a dame' – the hit from South Pacific. What a tragedy that the hall was only about a third full! Hopefully a much bigger audience will go the RNCM on 6th April and 11th May to hear Black Dyke and the newly crowned Yorkshire area champions Brighouse & Rastrick respectively.

Malcolm Wood

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