Eric Ball Centenary Concert

Black Dyke Band & The International Staff Band
Conductors: Dr. Nicholas Childs and Bandmaster Stephen Cobb

Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
11th October, 2003

Whereas the National Championship Finals at the Royal Albert Hall one week later than this concert was something of a disappointment to the lovers of Eric Ball's musical talent, this celebration "Centenary Concert" at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham was an occasion worthy of the man and his contribution to the brass movement in both its religious and secular guises.

The venue (although large, modern, and thankfully full) provided an intimate auditorium in which to appreciate the music played by two bands on excellent form, whilst the innovative approach to the structure and production of the concert by the organisers and promoters made for a very enjoyable visual as well as aural occasion. Everyone concerned can be proud of their contribution to a very worthy musical memorial to our greatest composing talent.

The great and the good from both sectors of the brass band world were out in force, with familiar faces enjoying each others company in the large foyer of the Hall prior to the commencement of the Concert. The stage was large enough to accommodate both Black Dyke and the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army, whilst the large screen multi media coverage provided the audience with the opportunity to see and hear the pre recorded tributes, as well as enjoy the "live" broadcast coverage of both bands in action. On both accounts it was a success – the interviews were well constructed, concise and interesting in content, whilst the "live" coverage was well directed, had relevance to the music performed (no shots of the wrong sections being filmed when the musical line was elsewhere or players picking their noses in their bars rest) and didn't detract from the music being played from the stage.

The ISB were on excellent form – lighter in tone to Black Dyke later on, but with a very precise ensemble and benefiting from excellent articulate direction from Stephen Cobb. Their opening items sounded very well rehearsed – "Torchbearers" had a lightness and precision which was just what was required whilst they gave "Song of Courage" a very committed performance – broad in scope and interpretation and with well defined climaxes and dynamic contrasts.

In between these two items, Lieut Colonel Norman Bearcroft recalled his first meetings with Eric Ball – the first of the six tributes that added so much to the night. None of these were over sentimental, and which also addressed the somewhat thorny subject of the composer's years away from the Salvation Army. The honesty from Norman Bearcroft, Brindley Boon, Geoffrey Brand, Ray Steadman Allen, and Roland Cobb in recalling the great mans influence both spiritually and musically made a real impression on the audience, whilst Peter Wilson's heartfelt and eloquent tribute before the massed bands performance of "Resurgam" was both impressive and moving.

Black Dyke took to the stage to perform their opening item "Torch of Freedom" - and of course all the talk was of the missing Roger Webster, who earlier that day had decided to fly – unfortunately for him not by Concorde, but by hooking his gig bag around the top of the stairs. His resultant injuries meant he couldn't take part in the proceedings, but a reshuffle from the MD saw Ben Rapp take over on Principal Cornet to impressive effect, whilst the band responded like a football team reduced to ten men – the defensive line was tightened to eradicate any mistakes and everyone played their hearts out for the cause. Black Dyke were mighty impressive on the night.

"Torch of Freedom" was superbly played – bright and breezy, with the bass end providing a foundation of immaculate roundness of tone and tightness. That led to Lesley Howie giving an outstanding performance of the composers sadly neglected "September Fantasy", a solo cut from a very different cloth to the traditional "Theme and Variations" variety. Both items had an ensemble sheen about them, whilst the direction of the MD (seen in full technicolour from above on the big screen) gave the music space to breath – like a fine wine, Eric Ball's music should never be rushed, and Nicholas Childs was sipping from the musical decanter with a connoisseurs appreciation.

Both bands rounded off their contributions to the first half in contrasting excellence – the ISB with a finely constructed performance of "Sound Out the Proclamation" and Black Dyke with a quite outstanding rendition of "Journey Into Freedom" – made all the more memorable by a rare (although it can be heard on Dyke's latest CD) introduction by the composer himself.

Eric Ball had a curious voice – light, with a West Country brogue to it, which to those who never heard him before came as something of a surprise. His description of his piece though was masterful in its insight and gave the resultant reading from Black Dyke an even greater resonance. Even with a few added pedal notes it was a most powerful and superbly constructed rendition.

The second half saw both bands come together and started in spectacular fashion with "Never Give Up!" which featured a double quartet of trombones and cornets from the both bands and which was a lively aperitif to what was the undoubted highlight of the whole concert.

After Peter Wilson's fine eulogy the performers came together under Nicholas Childs' baton to give a most moving account of "Resurgam" – the composer's greatest work. The underlying spiritual context and the MD's clear understanding of the composers wishes made this a very special performance indeed, with individual players excelling and the massed ensemble never sounding over bearing. No applause – none was necessary – it was a most moving experience for many in the auditorium.

"Songs of the Morning" was beautifully executed with a deftness of touch before the second undoubted thrill of the special evening. Roger Webster had been down to perform "Clear Skies" with the massed bands, and even after the pre recorded tribute from Roland Cobb, for whom it was written ,it was unclear why the it had been retained in the programme. It soon became very clear indeed, as Nicholas Childs introduced David Daws to perform the piece.

David had answered a very late eleventh hour emergency call from Roger Webster and had driven up on the day to play the piece at the concert. It was a gesture of great generosity and one that befitted such a great player and fine Salvationist. It summed up what the whole evening was about – especially as David's performance (without music) was exceptional. The clarity of tone, control of technique and musicality was something else – he is a true superstar player. Comparisons between him and Roger Webster are unfair – both are world class players, but there was little doubt that the audience had been treated to an exhibition of cornet playing that perhaps not even Roger himself on the top most form could have bettered. It was the icing on Eric Ball's very special birthday cake indeed.

The concert ended in equally fine fashion with "The Kingdom Triumphant" – complete with David Daws pinching a seat on the solo cornet bench and the bands performed with a style and sense of purpose that made this a most rousing climax to a tremendous evening's entertainment and remembrance.

Eric Ball was a great man and a great composer. On Saturday night in Nottingham on 11th October 2003 he was remembered in a fashion that truly befitted him.

^back to top