Simone Rebello in concert with St Kilda Brass

Sean McDonald gives a comprehensice review of St Kilda Brass in concert with percussionist Simine Rebello at Dunedin's Mayfair Theatre

St Kilda Brass in concert with Simone Rebello

Fresh on the back of a successful tour to Brisbane for the Australian National Brass Band Championships, St Kilda Brass took to the stage at Dunedin's Mayfair Theatre for an evening of music making that was set to educate the local audience as much as to entertain. 

After a very orderly entrance to the stage ‘The Saints' got things underway with Wilfred Heatons' march Praise, a fine addition to the secular repertoire of the modern brass band and played with a certain swagger and poise that one would associate with the British military bands.

Only five minutes or so into the concert saw a change of conductor in front of the band and Musical Director Steve Miles exchanged his baton for a rather cold looking Euphonium to allow Professional Conductor Peter Adams to conduct Peter Graham's work Montage.

The first movement got underway with a huge sound from the lower band and the rhythmic unity made for a real sense of musical mystery throughout the opening passages. Though this performance was not without blemish the audience were completely drawn in by the excitement created by the constant dynamic effects displayed by the band and the technical ‘wizardry' of some of the soloists. 

The second movement was beautiful and Peter Adams reveled in drawing as much music as possible from the score allowing the bands soloists to excel, particularly Principal Cornetist John Lewis. There was a slight issue of intonation at the end of the second movement as the opening figure returned but this did not detract too much from the overall performance. The third movement was full of drive and enthusiasm and this music took all of the concentration and effort that the band could deliver.  It was a shame to see some players so focused on the music and staying in time that they were almost counting allowed! But they could be forgiven for this, I suppose, given that the end product was so enthralling.  It's very unusual to see a major work on a brass band concert programme, I suppose because of the inherent difficulties in performance, but the reaction from the audience said it all…‘more of the same please!'

Another quick change saw Steve Miles back in the middle and the introduction of the evening's guest artist Simone Rebello (though this was delayed slightly whilst members of the band saved the marimba from falling into the Orchestra Pit!).  Simone is one of the world's leading percussion soloists and her very presence screamed professionalism. Simone's opening number was Ray Farr's arrangement of J.S Bach's Badinerie on the vibraphone. This was an upbeat number with a bluesy section in the middle together with some extensive cadenza passages. The balance between band and soloist was good, though at times the lower band got a little lost in the acoustic.

Next up was the New Zealand premiere of Damien Harrons' Along Those Lines. This is an extended composition for marimba, 3 toms and brass band lasting around 12 minutes and was originally written for the Harrogate Brass Band in the UK. Though the start of the piece was a little scrappy in the band, the balance between soloist and accompaniment was good with the band's percussion section featuring prominently. Rhythm is clearly the key element in this work and on the whole the band excelled with this. At times the accompaniment was so tight it was machine like but this did falter a little towards the end of the fast sections before the re-introduction of the initial tempo.  Once again this work was well received by the audience who did not seem put off by its extended length.

To lead into the interval it was a trip from the modern day back to the Music Hall of the 1920's in Rodney Newton's arrangement of Taps in Tempo - a much lighter hearted piece of music that really showed why Simone is regarded as one of the world's leading percussionists. This really was technical wizardry at its best!

The second half opened with Peter Graham's Cartoon Music together with percussion effects and comedy moments lead by the trombone section. This was followed by a display of St Kilda Brass' own soloists in the form of John Lewis and Marty Kibble. John Lewis, Principal Cornet of the New Zealand National Band, had chosen to play Goff Richards arrangement of El Cumbanchero. John really was on top form throughout this solo and delighted the audience - though there were a few moments that were nearly covered by the dynamic of the band despite clear efforts by the conductor to control this. Nevertheless the audience was given a real treat and judging by the screams, there were a few of the John Lewis fan club present!

Marty Kibble (Flugel Horn) had chosen to take the audience back a few decades to Cole Porter's I've Got You Under My Skin, arranged by Mark Freeh. This was played with real sensitivity and class and even tempted some vocals from a few audience members. Then it was on to Bill Geldard's arrangement of Skyliner. This was possibly one of the weaker pieces of the evening's entertainment and the band never really felt at ease with the swing style of the music.

Simone Rebello was reintroduced at this point and opened her second set with an arrangement for 10 piece by Howard Snell of Mendelsehn's Spinning Song. Once again the accompaniment did not feel comfortable here despite the brilliance of the soloist. Due to the light scoring, the accompaniment (thankfully) did not get in the way too much of Simone and the music was still very enjoyable.

One of the highlights of the evening had to be Simone's performance of Evelyn Glennie's Little Prayer. This was unaccompanied and played with such delicacy and sensitivity it would have brought a tear to a glass eye, you could quite literally have heard a pin drop in the Theatre as Simone had the audience in the palm of her hand.

Rodney Newton's arrangement of Hora Staccato came next and once again Simone was on top form. The band were very settled throughout this number and provided a very secure accompaniment. Finally Simone said her goodbyes with a golden oldie in the form of Helter Skelter. I have never seen someone's hands move so quickly as Simone displayed some breathtaking speed and accuracy – actually I've never seen a conductor beating so fast either!!!

The final piece on the programme was Peter Graham's Windows of the World which featured more of the bands soloists (Matt Taine – Horn, Marty Kibble – Flugel, Gary Valentine – Soprano, Barry Gordon – Euphonium and John Lewis – Cornet) who were introduced in between each number by the conductor. This was great playing and the band's very capable percussion team were on show throughout with Robert Craigie (Drum Kit) getting what was probably the biggest cheer of the night!  The piece was rounded off with some very effective choreography which left every member of the band on their feet and facing a delighted audience. 

Though there were some moments that for me could have been better this was a thoroughly enjoyable concert given by a band that really is flying high. A great band; a great venue; a superb soloist and a thoroughly enjoyable programme of music. St Kilda will next be performing on Saturday 20th May at the brand new Kings High School Performing Arts Auditorium where they will be celebrating an evening of Celtic music with guest Pipers, Drums and Tap Dancer Gina Todd. If this concert is anything to go by then Celtic Brass is sure to be a huge success!

Sean McDonald
(Dunedin)

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