Highlights from Brass in Concert Championship 2005-2010
Conducted by: Richard Evans, Michael J. Garasi, James Gourlay, Phillip McCann, Steven Mead, Allan Withington
WOB DVD 136
To purchase:
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The age of downloading is the preferred option for many brass band aficionados nowadays, but the compilation DVD still retains its place in the market place – especially when it’s as entertaining as this.
And as highlights packages go for Brass in Concert entertainment provided by Grimethorpe Colliery Band, it may have been harder to have had to pick what to leave out rather than what to put in for this one.
This really is the very best of Grimethorpe at the event from 2005-2010 – a period when they won the title twice (2005 & 2010) and provided the audience with a host of memorable individual and ensemble performances.
Interestingly, with the footage readily available, the concept of producing a highlights disc of recent performances for any number of competing bands may be an avenue the organisers and World of Brass may want to explore further.
It does work rather well.
Memory lane
This release is also something of a reminder of just how far Brass in Concert has come in the same period of time.
Much as it was loved, prior to the move to Gateshead and The Sage, such a release as this would have been nigh on impossible to produce at the old Spennymoor venue.
The organisers and World of Brass in particular, deserve all the plaudits for taking a bold and imaginative step into the 21st century. Now the bands have a world class stage in all senses, on which to showcase their talents.
Evolved
The DVD also provides you with the opportunity to see how the Grimethorpe of the first decade of the 21st century has evolved over a six year period with their playing and conducting personnel.
Never afraid to experiment, there’s a different conductor fronting the band - from Richard Evans through to Allan Withington with Michael J Garasi, James Gourlay, Phillip McCann and Steven Mead appearing along the way.
From a playing perspective, veterans David Barraclough, Kevin Crockford and Michael Dodd feature in all of the six years, whilst their principal cornets on display are Richard Marshall, Roger Webster and Rob Westacott.
The fluidity of personnel is quite remarkable – whilst the approach of each of the MDs is fascinating to watch.
Tiger, Tiger...
It’s said that stopping Grimethorpe devouring weak willed conductors is as hard to do as appeasing the appetite of a particularly hungry tiger with a cheese sandwich and a packet of smokey bacon crisps.
Even some of these guys didn’t quite manage it past the one appearance.
Entertainment
However, the one constant that has remained throughout the duration (and it’s the bands mantra) is that Grimethorpe know how to entertain.
Victorious in 2005 and 2010, they were never out of the top three during this period of time, taking the runners up spot in 2006 and 2009 and coming third in 2007 and 2008. They have a quite astounding record at the event.
24 tracks
On this DVD you can see and hear why. There are 24 tracks from the six years featured, with sizeable chunks of the victorious programmes in particular. There are also a few snippets from their appearances at the Gala Concert in 2006 and 2007.
With the exception of the opening ‘Irish Tune’ from County Derry, everything runs in chronological order.
There are numerous crackers throughout, but under Richard Evans in 2005, you’ll hear a diverse musical selection box that is hard to better for balance, control and sheer bravura showmanship.
Steven Mead led the defending champions in 2006, not long after they’d won the National title in London (with superb bit of euphonium playing from Michael Dodd the highlight), whilst Phillip McCann led in 2007 (check out the solo performance of Roger Webster).
Meanwhile, the gifted American MD, Michael J. Garasi took the helm in 2008, with an entrance straight out of Hollywood!
Innovation
2009 saw James Gourlay leading the charge for victory with his own, at times, quite surreal brand of entertainment, whilst excerpts from Allan Withington’s inventive take on life in St Mark's Square in Venice on a Sunday afternoon, saw Grimey take the spoils in 2010.
Fittingly, it brings the DVD to a close with a brilliant stamp of innovative class.
Slickly produced and with informative programme notes by Rodney Newton, this recording will appeal to anyone who wants to enjoy some top quality entertainment, whilst fans of the band will certainly want to add it to their collection.
Malcolm Wood
DVD listing:
2009 Contest
Irish Tune from County Derry (Traditional arr Grainger)
2005 Contest
The Duke of Marlborough Fanfare (Grainger arr Smith)
Everybody loves the Blues (Ferguson arr Smith)
Soloist: Richard Marshall
A Quiet Place (Carmichael arr Smith)
Liszteria (Lizst arr Smith)
Soloists: Gavin Pritchard & Will Martin
Finale from the Gayanch Ballet Suite Number 2 (Khachaturian arr Smith)
2006 Concert
Valero (Swearingham arr Smith)
Pie Jesu (Lloyd-Webber arr Smith)
Soloists: Kevin Crockford, & Ian Shiresn
The Cuckoo (Howarth arr Smith)
Soloist: Shaun Crowther
The Pines of the Appian Way from Pines of Rome (Respighi arr Snell)
2006 Contest
Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms (Mantia)
Soloist: Michael Dodd
Entry of the Gods into Valhalla (Wagner arr Snell)
2007 Concert
Humming Chorus (Puccini arr Smith)
2007 Contest
Bring Back that Leroy Brown (Mercury arr Giske)
Falling in Love Again (Hollander arr Drury)
Soloist: Roger Webster
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Tan Dun arr Drury)
2008 Contest
Fanfare from Rocky (Conti arr Sharp)
MacArthur Park (Webb arr Catherall)
2009 Contest
The Bluebells of Scotland (Traditional arr Pryor)
Soloist: Michael Dodd
Dance to Thi Daddy (Traditional arr Barry)
2010 Contest
Wives and Lovers (Bacharach & David)
Winter from The Four Seasons (Vilvadi arr Dewhurst)
Soloist: Kevin Crockford
Music to Watch Girls Go By (Crewe arr Dewhurst)
Moto Perpetuo (Novacek arr Larsen)
