The reigning National Champion warmed up for the defence of its title at the Royal Albert Hall with this slickly delivered concert performance under Prof David King.

Joining them were Besses’ Boys Band, celebrating their 75th anniversary - so it was a great pity that the pews were not packed full as both ensembles delivered excellent individual and joint items of easy listening genres.

Warm tonality

Fresh from their success at the recent Blackburn & Darwen ‘March & Hymn’ contest, Besses quartet of pieces were topped and tailed by the contrasting 'Gota' and 'Balkan Dance'.

The substantive filling came with a delightful 'Under the Boardwalk' led by flugel, Lizzie Logie and the warm tonality of Goff Richards' arrangement of the hymn tune, 'Crimond'.

Prof King and his West Riding band were determined to showcase their talents in full - opening the second half in classy, stylish mood. The Australian was as informative as he was engaging about the history of Bury Parish Church, whilst leading his band in music performed with relaxed excellence.

Centre piece

The centre piece of their four items was a 'run-out' of the London test-piece – one that certainly showed that they were riding on a crest of British Open inspired confidence; the playing detailed, balanced and flowing with purpose and style. 

With antiphonal cornet formation, this was a 'Handel in the Band' imbued with warmth, wit and a musical sincerity inspired by the MD, as he shaped a reading that brought a level of appreciation from an audience who certainly knew they were hearing a top class band on top class form.

With antiphonal cornet formation, this was a 'Handel in the Band' imbued with warmth, wit and a musical sincerity inspired by the MD, as he shaped a reading that brought a level of appreciation from an audience who certainly knew they were hearing a top class band on top class form.

Their newly appointed solo euphonium, Chris Robertson sparkled in the familiar air and variations of 'Rule Britannia', before the cultured tones of Kyle Lawson on cornet were heard in a touching 'Don't Doubt Him Now'.

To conclude their mini set, the trombone section dusted off the classic trio 'Blades of Toledo' – all flashing sliding sabres and colour, before the night was rounded off with massed band items. 

James Holt led the march ,'Senator' and 'Slaughter on 10th Avenue', whilst David King whipped all concerned through a quick fire 'Finale' from 'William Tell', before James returned to lead the obligatory lollipop of ‘The Floral Dance’. 

Everyone left thoroughly entertained. 

Malcolm Wood