Champion Brass

Grimethorpe Colliery Band
Conductor: David Stowell
Uppermill Civic Hall
Saturday 26th September

Grimethorpe has not made a visit to the Saddleworth area for the Whit Friday march contests in recent years, so the banding fanatics of the area have had to be content with what has become a bi-annual appearance in Uppermill.

The band remains as busy as ever with CD recordings in the pipeline and concerts all over the UK, and seventeen hours after walking off the stage here, they were appearing in Shropshire.

Traditional fayre

In the past couple of weeks, Grimey have performed the music of Maria von Trapp on the concert stage and followed this up with a serious programme in London where 'Titan's Progress' received another outing after the British Open. 

On this occasion, it was more traditional fayre with repertoire from different parts of the musical spectrum which gave the packed audience a terrific night's entertainment that was slickly and professionally presented.

All of the principal players sparkled, but mention must go Hammonds Saltaire's Benjamin Richeton, deputising for Kevin Crockford who was ill. He really was terrific, blending into the band superbly. 

Cracking job

With the conducting duo of James Gourlay and Phillip McCann involved at the Swiss Open, David Stowell took the helm, and revelled in the opportunity just hours before leading Norfolk Brass into third place at the First Section National Finals in Harrogate.  David did a cracking job, directing with a minimum of fuss and subtle control.

In the heart of Whit Friday territory, it was only ever going to be a march to open and 'Death or Glory' was taken at a nice steady tempo where all the detail could be heard.  

Suppé's 'Light Cavalry' remains an audience favourite and they certainly enjoyed this rendition where there was some excellent solo and ensemble work coupled with effective dynamics and an exciting closing section. More music from the classical world followed with the 'Merry Widow Waltz', which was delightful on the ear.

Contrasting Chorale

Van der Roosts 'Canterbury Chorale' followed, where the quality of musicianship was superb and where  David Stowell just let the music evolve with ease.

Principal cornet, Rob Westacott, stepped forward to give an impeccable performance of 'Carnival of Venice' before Howard Snell's arrangement of Strauss's 'Perpetuum Mobile' and Stravinsky's 'Firebird' brought the first half to a rousing close.

The band returned with the popular 'Padstow Lifeboat', played as a special request, before Barrie Gott's 'Lightwalk' was effortlessly performed. Vinter’s 'Elegy' from Entertainments was outstanding - full of melancholy and control from the middle. 

Swagger

After that, 'Old Man River' was full of that Grimethorpe swagger before Michael Dodd enjoyed himself in Peter Graham's 'Brilliante' and flugel player Andy Holmes, posed as Gloria from ‘Brassed Off’ for a few moments in the familiar 'Concerto D'Aranjeuz'.

To close, another potboiler in 'Entry of the Gods into Valhalla', that was once again given the 'Grimethorpe treatment' as they practically took the roof off. 

With the applause ringing in their ears, it was a quick romp through 'Thunder and Lightening Polka' to send the audience on their merry way extremely happy with their evening's entertainment.

Malcolm Wood

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