Coldstream Guards

Graham Jones
Skegness
4th March 2004

Concerts by Military bands seem to be rare nowadays so the opportunity to go and see one of the best in the country was an occasion not to be missed and I was not disappointed.

The usual start to a concert is a fanfare from the Fanfare team followed by a band march - not tonight. With a role on the drums out marched the brass, 16 in all, to Royal salute by Waterer. A display of quick and slow marching had the audience transfixed. The site of these guardsmen resplendent in their Bearskins was quite simply stunning. Once the march finished the brass all halted together facing the audience to welcome their Director of Music; Major Graham Jones MBE.

Major Jones conducted the Gordon Jacob fanfare followed by a fanfare for band 'Fanfare and Flourishes by James Curnow. The Radetsky March was next which saw the brass march off and rejoin the band for the finish of the march placing all the musicians on the stage.

The Coldstream are being very forward thinking under Major Jones, they are the first Military band to have a composer in residence in Dr Peter Graham. Followers of brass bands will know all about his music.

Peter Graham has composed brilliant a work for the Coldstream in 'The Red Machine'. This is Peter Graham at his best. A driving rhythmical pattern at the start followed by a slow french in style waltz leading back to the first subject is the basic shape of the work. The Coldstream are at home with this work and gave a commanding performance.

Next was a completely different change in style with Echoes of an Era, music of the Beatles. The Trumpet solo in Penny Lane was superb as was the Cor Anglais in Michelle. Hey Jude was turned into a Jazz break by the solo Trombone player Sgt Dave Desmond which again was top notch.

Next came Greensleeves arranged by Alfred Reed giving a moment of sheer control and blended sound from the band.

Sgt Dave Desmond showed his considerable talent in 'My funny Valentine' arrange by Adrian Drover. What a fine trombone player.

The first half came to a rousing conclusion with Peter Grahams 'Gael Force.' Two drummers entered at the front of the stage in Bearskins to provide the Celtic rhythm patterns. The opening tune was played on solo flute. The slow section, Minstrel Boy, was played by a brass choir at the side of the stage, this created nice movement and musically a good effect before back to the Drummers at the front. Good stage management from the band, well played and we even saw more Bearskins! I went into the interval with a smile.

Major Jones selected Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man to start the second half. The Trumpets and Trombone playing on Fanfare Trumpets. A great opener this. This was brass playing of the highest order. The rest off the band entered the stage ready from the band to play the Ballet Music from Price Igor. Lots of Woodwind work here but all came across well.

West Side Story Symphonic Dances was next up. This is doing the rounds at the moment. It was heard only a few weeks ago on Friday night is Music night and Brass bands are enjoying it. I prefer the standard arrangement of the songs not the dances and the audience certainly enjoyed this arrangement.

A change of style again with Amazing Grace showing the organ like sound of the band to its best. An interesting arrangement, certainly different to the Himmes I am used to.

Time for a sing-a-long but with a difference. The voice of James Scott is superb, he has presence and character taking the audience down memory lane with the likes of Run Rabbit Run and Kiss me Goodnight Sergeant Major sang in a very cheeky Cockney accent. A great arrangement which, with James Scott's performance had the audience eating out of his hand.

The finale was Jupiter from the Planets. Overall a great performance however this is a big blow which saw the Woodwind working very hard. The concert ended in traditional style with Lead Kindly Light and Last Post followed by the Regimental March.

Without question this was a very enjoyable concert. The Coldstream under the Baton of Major Graham Jones are in fine form at the moment and the presentation is streets ahead of the offering of many of out top brass bands.

Any chance of a encore next time Mr. Jones?

The band has a series of concerts throughout this month. I highly recommend that you take the time to go and see this highly talented group of musicians from the Coldstream Guards.

You can see the band playing at Peel Hall Salford 17th March and Cheltenham Town Hall 27th March

Go along - you won't be disappointed.

Andrew Eyton

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