The beautiful St James Concert Hall in St Peter Port, Guernsey, provided the wonderful venue for this enjoyable event featuring the talents of trombone virtuoso Brett Baker.

Variety

Entitled ‘Classic Brass’, the concert programme consisted of a variety of either classical transcriptions or original pieces for brass band and trombone, and rounded off what has been a busy summer season for the hard working local band.

It also proved to be an eventful visit for the trombonist as on a sightseeing trip the day before the concert his wife Sarah fell and broke her arm in three places. Thankfully, excellent medical help meant that Brett could at least relax on stage while Sarah started her recovery. 

Classic

Guernsey began with Wilfred Heaton’s classic march, ‘Praise’, before giving a fine indication of their abilities with Philip Sparke’s ‘A Malvern Suite’ and Shostakovich’s ‘Second Waltz’. 

Then it was the turn of Brett who wowed with his range, sound and speed in Arthur Pryor’s ‘Fantastic Polka’ and Gardell Simons’ ‘Atlantic Zephyrs’, both arranged by Keith Wilkinson.

Presentation

Toselli’s ‘Serenata’ and Ravel’s ‘Bolero’ finished Guernsey’s contribution to the first half  before Keith Bowering made a presentation to 80 year old Geoff Taylor who was retiring as a player after 40 years of outstanding service to the band.

After the interval with Brett joined the trombone section for the march ‘Ascot’ by Rieks van der Velde before moving into calmer territory with the beautiful ‘Largo’ from ‘Winter’ by Vivaldi.

Thrilling

His second solo spot saw a thrilling rendition of ‘Leona Polka’ by Leo Zimmerman, and the unaccompanied solo, ‘Boneman Walking’ by Mike Davis which was thoroughly enjoyed by the Guernsey locals.

The band continued with Grieg’s ‘The Last Spring’, ‘Londonderry Air’ and ‘Alla Marcia’ before the encore of ‘Barnard Castle’ to round off a very special evening.

Keith Bowering