Becontree Brass

Orsett Hall
Essex
Saturday 5th February

Take one of Essex's finest hotels, one of Essex's finest brass bands, mix with a programme of light music and music from the shows, stir in some fine solo performances, add some doses of humour, seriousness, and cook gently for 2 hours and what do you get? £700 raised towards the Tsunami appeal, and a fine winter evening's entertainment.

That's what happened when at very short notice the Becontree Brass Band, under the leadership of Musical Director Graham Sheldon, presented their first performance of the year at the Orsett Hall. The band showed just why they are current London & Southern Counties Region 2nd Section champions, and suggested that they will go on to eventually make a big dent in the 1st Section to which they now belong.

This was the second time in recent months that I have been privileged to hear the band, the other occasion being their Christmas Concert. And I liked what I heard! Despite this programme lacking any 'big' numbers (understandable, given the short time frame to produce the concert), the band chose numbers that were suitable for the given audience- largely business people- not your dedicated brass band aficionado's!

The concert opened with the old favourite 'Punchinello' (Rimmer)- crisply played, contrasting trio section, then a rousing ff towards the end. 'Selection from Oklahoma' (Wright) was one of three selections to feature during the evening, the others being 'James Bond Collection' (Arr. Goff Richards) and 'Selection from West Side Story' (Wright). All three pieces provided the bands key soloists with a chance to shine, and although these pieces could almost be played by memory the MD injected some 'music' into these perennial favourites.

Next up was the highlight of the evening- 'The Lark in the Clear Air' (Trad, arr Langford) performed by the bands principal horn David Howell. Where has this man been hiding all these years?  Ex-Salvationist Howell must surely be one of the best masters of the tenor horn south of the Watford Gap! Becontree will do well to hold onto him! His mature tone, coupled with a Super-D last note that seemed to last forever, ensured that this performance was met with a magical silence before a well-deserved and lengthy applause.

At the Christmas concert David Howell played 'Rondo from Strauss Horn Concerto', at an absolutely unbelievable speed throughout! Showing mastery of the instrument over almost 3 octaves. I thought that performance would be hard to beat- but tonight he outclassed himself!

The band went on to present many crowd pleasers, particularly from the pen of brass band fan Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. These included 'I dreamed a dream' from Les Miserables, 'The Music of the Night' (Phantom of the Opera), and 'With one look' (Sunset Boulevard). Next up to the oche was principal trombonist Chris Bailey, a real 'jazzer', and former principal trombone of the old Newham Band. Chris did something many brass banders fail in- he sounded like he knows how to play jazz! Although sometimes I did feel that some of the band didn't (although the Eb Bass player really seemed to be enjoying himself!).

More contemplative moments were to follow, as the band presented the Alan Fernie arrangement of 'Shenandoah'. Somewhat overshadowed by the newer Ballantine arrangement it was a breath of fresh air to hear this older version. Again interplay between various sections of the band was exemplary, and special mention should be made of soprano player Steven Stokes. Sop players must have a death wish!

This was followed by the music from Miss Saigon 'Bui Doi', played as a tribute to all the children killed by the tsunami. It really felt like the band meant it- a truly inspirational performance. Not an easy arrangement- the opening Euph & Trom has been murdered by many a top band, but not tonight. Once again both ensemble and soloists shone in this performance- so many bands just play the notes without listening to what comes out the other end- but Becontree listen!

After a short interval, just time for one pint of lemonade and a mingle with the band folk, and it was time to be transported back to the days of Henry VIII (allegedly!). Although taken at a slow tempo 'Pastime with Good Company' certainly set the scene for the next half of the concert. Seasoned Euphonists Paul Hicks and Alan Flower (both former members of Newham also) then had another go at presenting 'Softly as I leave You', as once featured by the Childs brothers. These two characters are obviously more like the 'Chuckle Brothers', but contrived to present a very musical and entertaining performance- with Flower trying to out do previous soloists by presenting a beautiful Super F at the end of the piece! It was his night- as he went on to win a cuddly turtle in the raffle!

The band were having a good night, despite a little bit of sight-reading going on. It was obvious that with a little bit of tweaking on the back row, and on percussion, that this band could go far. The band has an outstanding line-up of end players- and tonight these were coupled with fine cameo performances by the sop, flugel (despite battling against tuning difficulties all night) and baritones (with 2nd Bar promoted to 1st in the absence of the regular player tonight) 'Eriskay Love Lilt' (arr Fernie) gave the band a rare chance to present some quiet playing, something some of the secondary part players need to work on!

Its not every night of the year one hears a 7ft Tuba player playing 'Nellie the Elephant', so we relished the opportunity! David Bowman adding suitably funny moments to this quite simple arrangement.

Well, the night was nearly over- every feeling warm in the knowledge that money had been raised for Indonesia. The final piece of the evening was the popular 'Gaelforce' (Graham), again some bands just play this music without thinking about it- but Becontree really captured the Celtic feel of the piece- with some lovely whooping horn, and beautiful playing in the second movement. A little more percussion and this piece would have been perfect!

1st Section look out! Becontree Brass Band are creeping up! The London Brass Band scene is being revitalised!

Huw Wilson

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