*
banner

Amersham Band

Conductor: Paul Fisher
Featuring: James Fountain
Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival
London
Wednesday 18th October


The Amersham Band will be hoping that much like Foden’s (who were featured on the Friday evening), any future appearance at this festival will also be a prelude to a weekend National Final contest performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

They wouldn’t be out of place there, as MD Paul Fisher led a band playing with admirable style and security on repertoire that encompassed Gershwin to Wilby via Heaton and Bricusse.  

Thrilled

James Fountain was the undoubted star draw for the evening event, but the many neutral listeners will have left not only thrilled by his playing, but also by that of a band showcasing elite level credentials to well drilled effect. 

The marches ‘Able’  and ‘Praise’  were neat and purposeful, whilst the contrasts offered by Downie’s ‘In Perfect Peace’  and Lauridsen’s ‘O Magnum Mysterium’  had cultured texture and comforting musicality. ‘Pure Imagination’  and ‘Thy Tribute Bring’  also balanced candy floss sweetness with meaty passion.

Paul Fisher’s understanding of the stylistic threading of Gershwin’s ‘An American in Paris’  gave a dance-like refinement to Howard Snell’s superb arrangement, while the Lucky Chops fun of ‘Behroozi’  set the collective pulse to late night swagger.  It was also refreshing to hear a ‘Paganini Variations’  that eschewed the blunt-witted roller-coaster approach and instead searched for its inherent subtleties.

Superlatives only for James Fountain: ‘Charivari’, ‘How do you keep the music playing’, ‘Carnival of Venice’  and ‘Threnody’  were mini masterclasses – performed with appreciation as well as virtuosity.     

Superlatives

Superlatives only for James Fountain: ‘Charivari’, ‘How do you keep the music playing’, ‘Carnival of Venice’  and ‘Threnody’  were mini masterclasses – performed with appreciation as well as virtuosity.     

Earlier in the day Paul Fisher led a Brass Foundations Day with over 100 local primary schoolchildren in attendance, whilst the event itself raised funds for Regent Hall’s Homelessness Project. Superlatives too for that. 

Helen Hughes 

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


Enderby Band - Broughton Astley Rock Choir

Friday 13 December • Thomas Estley Community College. 2 Station Road. Broughton Astley. Leicestershire LE9 6PT


Bedford Town Band - Bedford Town Band Brass Academy

Saturday 14 December • Putnoe Heights Church MK418EB


Newstead Brass - Christmas Showcase 2024

Saturday 14 December • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby in Ashfield NG17 8LA


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

December 24 • Solo Baritone Eb Bass and Percussion required to complete the line up building towards the NEMBBA and area contests. Under the Direction of Duncan Beckley, the band is keen to fill the few remaining seats.


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

December 19 • Current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists. We have recently appointed a new MD and are now looking to fill a few empty seats! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Dobcross Silver Band

December 14 • Looking for a new challenge in the New Year? . Dobcross Silver Band is a progressive and Successful 3rd section band on the lookout for a competent SOLO BARITONE PLAYER. If you are a team player you fit perfectly! Really enjoyable rehearsals here!


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd