They know a thing or two in this part of the world about fine musical talent, so it came as little surprise that the Gala Theatre was packed to the rafters as the locals came on mass to pay their respect to Bryan Tait.

It was also testament as to how much Bryan was revered as a fine principal cornet that NASUWT Riverside and Reg Vardy took to the stage the night before their crucial Area contest appearances, although they did enjoy excellent support from another of his former bands, Brighouse & Rastrick, who made their 'The Torchbearer' appearance a week before in Bradford. 

Fine evening

Those attending the contest weekend (and there were many who just came for the Saturday night) were treated to a fine evening of easy listening music featuring each ensemble along with a trio of super soloists and some rousing massed band items.

It was Riverside under John Hudson who kicked off with a neat quartet of pieces that opened with the march, 'Praise', before a very enjoyable rendition of the overture, 'Le Domino Noir'.

The third of Sir Malcolm Arnold's 'Four Scottish Dances' depicting life in the Hebrides was delicately played before soloist, Joe Cook delivered a cracking 'Klezmorim'.

Vibrant fashion

With the resetting of the stage, Reg Vardy led by Russell Gray top and tailed their contribution in vibrant fashion, with John Williams' 'Sound the Bells' and Lorne Barry's 'Credo', whilst James Fountain delivered an effortless 'Miss Blue Bonnet' and luscious 'Send in the Clowns'.

The first half concluded with Allan Ramsay leading Brighouse & Rastrick in the 'Finale' to the 'William Tell' overture and Tchaikovsky's 'The Little Russian' - both played with thumping substance and sparkling élan. 

Classic

James Fountain returned to deliver the classic love song 'The Sunshine of Your Smile' with Sheona White dusting off her trademark solo, 'Piper of Dundee', whilst after a much needed interval, the players crammed onto the stage to join forces with some audience friendly favourites under Allan Ramsay, who kept a lovely restraint on the dynamics.

William Walton's 'Crown Imperial' was measured and noble whilst Suppe's overture, 'Light Cavalry' never over-stretched the ensembles even at a bright canter. 

The 2nd movement of Borodin's 'Violin Concerto' included some fine contributions from Brighouse's Lucy Cutt and David Thornton, before Joe Cook returned to play 'Fnugg' with its multiphonics and percussive effects. 

Heartfelt tribute 

The principal cornets along with Russell Gray enjoyed a lively run through 'Buglers Holiday' before the traditional 'Old Hundreth’, which included the cornet solo from Bryan's son, Philip, was a heartfelt tribute.

It all ended with 'Shine as the Light' before the obligatory encore of 'The Floral Dance' to round off not only a very enjoyable evening, but a fine tribute to a wonderful, and much loved musician.

Malcolm Wood