Forget the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ curse of mismatched partnerships coming a cropper under the glare of the media spotlight. 

Until Foden’s and Russell Gray triumphed this year, it had been 21 years since a coupling of MD and band had performed at this Brass Arts Festival pre-National evening concert and had gone on to win at Kensington Gore the following day. 

Perhaps Seann Walsh and Katya Jones should give the Sandbach band a ring for some winner’s tips...

Banding spirit

They did it by overcoming a few serious challenges too; the Friday afternoon rail network into London providing the type of service that has become all too depressingly familiar to city bound commuters let alone a group of Foden’s players who had made ample effort to get to Regent Hall in plenty of time for their concert appearance. 

Some quick thinking organisation and generosity of banding spirit from fellow players from other bands saved the day – and whilst it meant a few changes to running order of the printed programme, no-one could complain.   

The band's signature tune, 'The Cossack', was delivered with the usual solidity of purpose, whilst the familiar strains of Shostakovich’s ‘Festive Overture’ were slick and pacy.

Back to full strength, the contest preview of ‘Handel of the Band’ was an immensely impressive indicator of potential glory to come – shaped and moulded with clarity and detail to complement the lush musicality imbued by the MD.   

Mark Wilkinson and Jonathan Bates were the excellent featured soloists in the first half; the long-standing principal cornet in fine form (as he was the following day) in the popular ‘Charivari’, whilst the somewhat unusual tenor horn version of ‘Children of Sanchez’ also tripped along nicely (with just the one odd ensemble moment to raise an eyebrow) with colourful verve.  

Impressive indicator

Eric Whitacre’s ‘Glow’ was beautifully portrayed with flugel horn Melanie Whyle the enchanting lead on ‘Hushabye Mountain’ before an upbeat ‘Birdland’ closed the half.

Back to full strength, the contest preview of ‘Handel of the Band’ was an immensely impressive indicator of potential glory to come – shaped and moulded with clarity and detail to complement the lush musicality imbued by the MD.   

It left a few old lollipops to add to the obvious sense of partnership confidence; ‘Trumpet Blues’ all fizz and razzle, John Barber almost horizontal such was his superbly languid relaxation shown on ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, a electricity volt ‘Czardas’ and a richly hued ‘Just As I Am’, before Gary Curtin played around with his showpiece, ‘Eire Time’ solo.

‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and ‘Toccata in D Minor’ wrapped things up splendidly ahead  of the glory to come... 

Malcolm Wood