Pemberton Old Wigan JJB Band

Conductor Mark Peacock
St. Chad’s Church
South Hill
Trombone Soloist: Andrew King
Friday 15th April

On Friday 15th April I was invited by my long standing friend, former playing colleague and partner in crime Mark Peacock to attend a concert at St. Chad's Church by the Pemberton Old Wigan JJB Band, with their guest soloist Andrew King.

The concert was part of Mark's MA assessment at Salford University where he is studying conducting under Professor David King. Judging from the fantastic audience response Mark came through his exam with flying colours, his precise and traditional approach helping to shape a fantastic evening's playing.

The church is a grade 2 listed building and is the oldest Catholic Church in the Chorley Deanery, and provided the perfect acoustics for the fine evening of entertainment.

Pemberton Old Wigan JJB Band has a long and outstanding history which it can trace back to 1838 when they were known as The Blue Jackets Band. During more recent times they have enjoyed a significant revival, including 1st Section National Champions in 2004 and subsequent promotion into the Championship Section where they are already establishing themselves as one of the up and coming outfits in the North West of England.

The evening began with a rousing rendition of Duke Ellington's 'Caravan', arranged by Steven Sykes. Fine balance and good dynamic contrasts were evident throughout, with some fine work on soprano from Ian Twiss in particular. This was followed in complete contrast by the Salvation Army March 'Jubilee' by Paul Drury. A sensible choice of tempo by the MD allowed all the notes to be heard and the warm traditional sound of the band to be maintained, without any rushing or over blowing.

The overture 'The Beautiful Galathea' by Frans Von Suppe, arr. Major Peter Parkes enjoyed a rare outing. Based on Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion" the music enjoyed a brisk swagger in the introduction, before some "McCannesque" playing from Joanne Johnson.

Andrew King became the youngest ever British Open Solo Champion at the age of 16 and under his father's guidance at YBS has already established himself as one of the young shining lights of the movement.
He began his contribution to the evening in assured style with 'Bolivar', Latin American in style and playing was seemingly effortless in the upper register! This had real panache and at times reminded me of Christian Lyndberg in the way he glided over the tidy accompaniment provided by the Pemberton Old Wigan JJB Band.

Bill Geldard's arrangement of 'Londonderry Air' followed. Tastefully played throughout, and demonstrating the poise and control to be expected from one of the country's finest trombone players.

The band resumed with 'Toccata and Fugue in D Minor' featuring 15 year old Jenny Moore on xylophone. A product of the JJB youth band she delighted the audience and this young lady definitely has a very exciting future ahead of her. This was followed by 'I'll Walk with God', made famous by the singer Mario Lanza. The Euphonium and baritone section shone and were boosted by Black Dyke's Gareth Brindle-terrific stuff!

March from 'Le Coq D'or' by Rimsky Korsakov rounded off the first half with the sort of power and stamina to be expected from a fine Championship Section band.

The second half resumed with the contest march 'BB & CF' by J. Ord Hulme. Written to celebrate the amalgamation of the British Bandsman and the Contest Field this march is another gem, too often neglected by all but our best bands, probably due to the demanding top A's on the solo cornet parts. This was tidy stuff with some tasty playing again from principal cornet and soprano.

'Keep Smiling Through' followed, before Stephen Roberts's arrangement of  'Pastime with Good Company' giving the audience a taste of the band's traditional "bread and butter" repertoire.

Andrew King resumed his contribution to the concert with the 'Blue Bells of Scotland', celebrating his brass band roots in this old "air varie".

He showed the technique which made the audience gasp when he first performed it with the Leyland Band at "Brass in Concert". 'Every Time You Say Goodbye' was seductively played and capped a virtuosic display from this young phenomenon. His first solo CD is eagerly awaited.

'Breezin' down Broadway' by Goff Richards followed in a performance with real bite which had the foot tapping. This was then contrasted by 'Swedish Hymn' before the concert concluded with 'March Slav' by Tchaikovsky.

As far as Friday evening concerts go this was a good balance between the virtuosic delights of a soloist on top of his game and traditional, unpretentious brass band repertoire. Top "marks" for Mr. Peacock for a fine display in the middle and well done to one and all.

David Evans

^back to top