Brian Evans Tribute Concert

Conductors: Derek Broadbent, Les Beevers, James Scott, Geoffrey Whitham
Compere: Gilbert Sykes
Uppermill Civic Hall
Wednesday 2nd November

This was a night that was like no other, and it was an experience those present will never forget:  It was a night that the life of Brian Evans was celebrated through music that was synonymous with him. Friends throughout the banding world joined on and off stage to acknowledge one of banding's finest ever talents who died in May.

Everywhere you looked on stage there were players who had either played with him or appreciated what he'd brought to the movement.  They joined together to pay their own tribute with some wonderful self-assured playing that was led by Derek Broadbent along with Les Beevers, James Scott and Geoffrey Whitham.

The music itself included the great Alford march ‘Army of the Nile', the overture, ‘The Force of Destiny' - that Brian played with CWS Manchester in 1962 when they won the Nationals, and the rarely heard these days, ‘Slavonic Rhapsody' No 2 by Friedman.

‘Introduction to Act III' (Lohengrin) and the ‘Finale from Symphony No 4' by Tchaikovsky, were also taken out of the library, with the added bonus of being conducted by Derek Broadbent in the style when Brian was playing – some cracking tempo's were on show!

Phillip McCann performed definitive Brian Evans with ‘Rusalka's Song to the Moon' before being joined by Peter Roberts for ‘Pie Jesu'.  Stan Lippeatt performed the old classic ‘Orange Juice' (Concerto D' Aranjeuz) whilst Morgan Griffiths was in great form in ‘La Belle Americane'.

Throughout the night, friends stepped forward to give personal and humorous tributes.   These came from Stephen Corbett, who talked about arranging solo's for Brian at the last minute, Alan Lawton, comedian Johnny Casson and Gilbert Symes.  Every one of them spoke with real love and affection and that was non-so more evident than when Derek Broadbent spoke at the end.  Derek told a story of Brian playing with Brighouse at a concert before taking a break from the band. He finished off with the words: ‘ We'll miss you Brian' –that summed up everybody's thoughts.

For many, the most stirring part of the night came when Brian's soprano voice was heard in ‘Softly Awakes My Heart' and ‘Demelza'.  What a gift he had.

For those not able to be present on the night, a recording will be available with proceeds being distributed to local youth bands.  As soon as we have details, we'll let you know.

The band that paid tribute to Brian on the night was as follows:

Phillip McCann (Principal Cornet), Brian Taylor, Stephen Corbett, Norman Christie, Peter Roberts, (Soprano) David Pogson, (Repiano) James Leggett, Matthew Hilton, David Crisp.

Morgan Griffiths, Michael Howley (Euphoniums), Leigh Baker, Sheridan Fryer (Baritones) Melvyn Bathgate, Ian Dust, Ian Harper (Horns), Stan Lippeatt (Flugel): Kevin Holgate, Andy Hirst, Graham Hutchinson, Paul Applegarth (Trombones) Simon Gresswell, John Gillam , John Clough, Philip Goodwin (Basses): David  Johnson and Craig Harper (Percussion).

To everybody involved on the night: Thanks for the memories………

Malcolm Wood

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