The intimate surroundings of the Berry Theatre in Hedge End near Southampton provided an ideal stage for the performers of Southampton Concert Wind Band to showcase their talents on a diverse selection of old favourites and new repertoire.
Under the polished direction of Calum Gray the band ably rose to the occasion and produced a programme which entertained and at times thrilled the packed auditorium.
Fitting prelude
Philip Sparke’s ‘A Tameside Overture’ provided a fitting prelude to the evening’s music making with fine, declamatory brass opening fanfares, followed by spirited woodwind flourishes in the opening Allegro.
An interesting wind band arrangement of ‘Rhosymedre’ followed from the Ralph Vaughan Williams organ work ‘Three Preludes founded on Welsh Hymn Tunes’. Simplistic in its harmonic structure yet totally convincing in its musical journey, this was VW at his best.
Change of pace
Another change of pace with an exciting arrangement of Ernesto Lecuona’s ‘Malaguena’ didn’t quite rise to the occasion and lacked a certain spontaneity with its complex rhythmic drive. However, the percussion team were invaluable in providing an energetic pulse to the various thematic styles.
The guest soloist was tuba star Les Neish who opened with Andy Scott’s concerto ‘Salt of the Earth’ - which was spell-binding. There was clarity and consistency in all ranges from the pedal notes to the super high harmonics, all producing an amazing metamorphosis of colour and intensity.
This was playing of the highest order, with a fine symbiotic relationship between soloist and ensemble. They seemed to draw encouragement and confidence from each other; a true mark of an outstanding soloist and well rehearsed and disciplined accompaniment.
Free flowing
Goff Richards’ ‘Doyen’ closed the first half with some stylish euphonium playing enhancing the free flowing musical lines, enabling the tight ensemble iterations to be precisely delivered.
The second half began with more Latin-inspired music in Stephen Bulla’s arrangement of ‘Mambo Greats’ - a lively and foot tapping opener, which once again featured strong rhythmic support from the band’s extended percussion section.
Les Neish gave a stylish performance of Øystein Baadsvik’s arrangement of ‘Amazing Grace’ conducted by Les’s first brass teacher and mentor Gabrielle Horne. It was clear that both tutor and maestro were enjoying themselves and mutual respect and empathy were being exhibited.
Light music
The alto saxophone playing of Jim Whitcher was ably displayed in Phil Collins’ big band style arrangement of ‘Against All Odds’, whilst a piece of old fashioned ‘light music’ followed with Leroy Anderson’s ‘Forgotten Dreams’.
Les Neish once again featured in Luc Vertommen’s Brazilian inspired ‘The Carioca’ - from Ipanema and Copacabana to chance encounter with Ronnie Biggs, as well as his own ‘party box’ with several unscripted encores. It was sheer entertainment, made to look easy, but oh boy, how clever.
Les then joined the band for ‘Gaelforce’ to round off a wonderful evening of music making from a band, conductor and soloist on the very top of their game.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Chris Davis, RM
