Expressions 2014 got off to an impressive start with Stephen Ponsford’s fanfare style setting of ‘Hail the Risen Lord’ - cornets and trombones flanking the rest of the band.  

This was followed by Sam Creamer’s swing setting of ‘I’ll Stand for Christ’, complete with solos on cornet and trombone, before Charlie Green wowed the audience with ‘Now I Belong to Jesus’ before the prayer and introductions.  

Accomplished Songsters

‘Cantate Domino’ is the title track of the songsters’ latest recording, and they demonstrated a good balance and excellent diction as they sang in Latin and English, the words also appearing on the screen for good measure.  

They were also impressive in two songs by Richard Phillips; the psalm setting ‘Sing for Joy’ and the challenging ‘Anastasis’, a three-movement reflection on the resurrection.  

No doubt the composer, who was present in the hall, would have appreciated their efforts as they brought the music to life with vitality and a wide dynamic range.

Green versatility

The songsters’ items were separated by Paul Sharman’s lively ‘Exaltate Deo’, conducted by the composer, and Charlie Green’s rendition of ‘Lord I Lift Your Name on High’, a four-piece brass section adding extra colour to the accompaniment. 

Having appeared previously in Salvation Army uniform, Charlie donned a suave lounge suit as he sang ‘Feeling Good’ and ‘Stars’.  

The backing tracks were very effective, and Charlie’s rendition of Javert’s song from ‘Les Miserables’ showed great maturity and insight.  

Interviewed by Heather Ballantine, he was very open regarding his own Christian experience and the opportunities that had come his way, continuing with the song ‘You’re Always There’, written for him by the Songster Leader at Droitwich Corps.

Composer to the fore

The band had the chance to let their hair down with ‘Jubilo, Jubilo’, complete with Mexican wave, before the atmosphere changed, as Len Ballantine conducted his setting of ‘I Know Thou Art Mine’.  

This was followed by his song ‘Closer Than’ with some particularly fine singing from the brigade’s tenors.

Major classic 

Heather Ballantine introduced the band’s major contribution, Leslie Condon’s ‘The Present Age’, with appropriate scriptural references.  

The band’s confident reading of the work was accompanied by a specially produced film which illustrated the various sections of the music.  

Images

Images of 1960’s London highlighted the temptations that were to be faced and overcome; the band’s playing portraying well the contrast between the challenges and conflict and the calm assurance of God’s presence.

Charley Green, accompanying himself at the piano, sang a benediction, before being handed a cornet to join the band in ‘Montreal Citadel’ in tribute to the Canadian guests.  

It was an excellent start to the Brass Arts Festival; with both sections in good form and the band’s sound rather brighter than usual due to an influx of cornet players.  

With Charlie as a very personable soloist, there was certainly something for everyone.

Peter Bale