Still fresh from an intense period of competitive action that culminated in Grand Shield triumph in Blackpool, the Scottish Champion showed that they still had plenty left in the tank for this classy concert appearance with trumpet star Mike Lovatt.
Led with focussed appreciation of genre style by conductor Bryan Allen, there was a sharp precision to the opening antiphonal fun of ‘Euroflash’ by Swiss composer and trombonist Damien Lagger which was maintained throughout.
Blockbuster hits
The connection with Mike Lovatt harks back to the band’s 150th anniversary concert, held on-line due to Covid-19, so it was a long overdue delight to hear him ‘live’ as he delivered the blockbuster hits - starting with ‘Mame’ and ending with ‘MacArthur Park’.
It was the spectrum of style, reminiscent of the great lead trumpet Uan Rasey who played on countless MGM studio soundtracks that left the greatest impression; considered as well as stratospheric
In between he unfurled the full panoply of the lead trumpet skill set; his burnished tone faultlessly secure throughout the range.
It was the spectrum of style, reminiscent of the great lead trumpet Uan Rasey who played on countless MGM studio soundtracks that left the greatest impression; considered as well as stratospheric – from Sammy Nestico and Anthony Newley to Leonard Bernstein and Jimmy Webb. The ‘Hollywood Medley’ arrangements made by Colin Skinner, were a crafted joy.
Appreciative care
Whitburn (who at the interval were presented with a commemorative picture to mark their Blackpool victory by their professional MD, Prof Nicholas Childs) accompanied with appreciative care.
There were notable individual contributions from all corners of the band, whilst their own spotlight on the energised ‘Melody Shop’ march, suave ‘Nightingale Dances’ and the world premiere of Colin Skinner’s clever ‘Scottish Suite’ were delivered with high class aplomb.
The wonderfully illogical musical bombast of ‘MacArthur Park’ led by Mike Lovatt rounded things off with appropriate ear-popping showmanship – a seriously brilliant bit of playing that put the tastiest of cherries on the top of this particular cake.
Alison Edmunds
