Wingates Band

Conductor: Andy Berryman
Guest Soloist: Adrian Morris
The Houghton Weavers
Rivington Barn
Wednesday 30th May

It's certainly fair to say that the good times are back for one of banding's oldest names, Wingates.  As has been the case with other famous names over the years, they've had some tough times but their fortunes changed when they appointed Andy Berryman as their Professional Conductor.

Andy has been in charge for over a year now and his commitment and desire and endless enthusiasm coupled with personnel changes within the band that have gelled together has paid dividends.

The band won the French Open last year in addition to the release of a CD of music by Michael Nyman that was short listed by 4BR for CD of the Year, and in 2007 they narrowly missed out on a qualification for the Nationals, and in the past couple of weeks have won the Senior Cup.

If all that isn't enough, they head for France again in June to defend their French Open title and they've been invited to the US Open in November.

So busy times then?  Almost certainly and this concert with the Houghton Weavers proved to be a good workout for the band with most of the repertoire on offer an integral part of their French challenge.

The majority of the playing was neat and tidy, there was some tiredness creeping in towards the end which the band can be forgiven for as they're rehearsing practically everyday at the moment in the run-up to France but they gave it their all.

Two contrasting marches were featured: William German's 'The President' was tight and compact whilst the triumphal 'Pines of Rome' had the odd wobble in a couple of the solo lines but the band portrayed the picture of the march along the Appian Way.

Four soloists were featured during the night.  Firstly, Principal Cornet Andy McDonald tackled 'Golden Slippers' with the soloist producing a delightfully beautiful tone and technical understanding that was enhanced further by his vast dynamic range, and ability to totally connect with the audience.

Secondly, Gary Curtin, the band's Principal Euphonium who took the soloist prize at the Senior Cup polished off the old war-horse 'Napoli' in fine style whilst percussionist Andrea Crossley got a cracking reception for her own xylophone composition, 'Fling' that's based around 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home', a popular song of the American Civil War that expressed people's longing for the return of their friends and relatives who were fighting in the war.

Andy Berryman is also the Principal Trombone of the Halle Orchestra and he called on a fellow colleague, Bass Trombonist, Adrian Morris to get up from his seat in the audience to perform 'In the Hall of the Mountain King' that was almost effortless in its execution.

Having changed from its traditional bow ties and jackets into casual black shirts for the second half, in addition to a couple of solos already mentioned, Wingates were very relaxed in 'Kongolela' engaging members of the audience up onto the stage to contribute with percussion instruments with more Big Band music coming in the form of 'Earth Rites' by Robin Dewhurst featuring the talents of the band's Principal Trombone, Peter Moore before giving the audience a touch of Spain in 'Malageuna'.

To close its individual contribution for the night though, the band opted for the hymn tune, 'Eternal Father, Strong to Save' arranged effectively by John Parkinson.

The concert wasn't just about Wingates though, they were joined by the popular Folk Group, The Houghton Weavers.  The trio are as famous in Lancashire as that traditional dish, Lancashire Hotpot and they get full houses everywhere they go.

Originating from Westhoughton, near Bolton in Lancashire, they've done plenty of work with brass bands down the years including Wingates of whom they have a strong working relationship with and the contrast in musical styles works.

During the night, lead vocalist, Tom Berry led his colleagues David Littler and Steve Millington through a selection of audience favourites including 'Uncle Joe's Mint Balls' and 'In My Liverpool Home' in addition to teaming up with the band for 'The Blackpool Belle', 'New York, New York', 'Any Dream Will Do' – including a selection of Wingates' vocalists and 'What's Christmas Without a Brass Band?' – this song was recorded by the band, the Houghton Weavers and Warrington Male Voice Choir last year; it may seem strange to do a Christmas song in May but they did it on the night.

Needless to say, the packed audience in the very homely surroundings of Rivington Barn thoroughly enjoyed their evening not forgetting Andrew Berryman's attire that would even raise the eye-brows of Trinny and Susannah or Louise Redknapp on the Clothes Show – you need charisma to wear what the MD does and he's got that for sure and the impact enhanced the light-hearted informal atmosphere.

It's all friends together at a night such as this; no one stands on ceremony, not even the local dignitaries who were invited to celebrate Wingates' latest success at the Senior Cup but came out for a good old-fashioned evening's entertainment of Folk and Brass.

Malcolm Wood

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