'Songs from my Heart' has been released to mark the 70th birthday of Salvation Army cornet soloist Ove Ericson - for many years the Principal Cornet of Stockholm 7 Band, and subsequently Stockholm South.
He was renowned for the lyricism of his playing as well as for his qualities as section leader, and although sadly no longer able to perform on the instrument on which he made his name, he still enjoys playing keyboards with the corps choir.
Tributes
There are warm tributes on this welcome double CD release from notable players and bandmasters, both from home and abroad, and the fact that these include such luminaries as Derek Smith, Deryck Diffey and Stephen Cobb is testimony to the esteem in which he is held.
The tracks come from the period 1965 to 2012, when his playing of a simple folk tune was a highlight of each programme given by the band - including visits to the UK shores.
Classic solos
Erik Leidzen features strongly; with five air-varies, together with his setting of 'The Old Rugged Cross'. Written for luminaries as Roland Cobb, Ove dispatches these demanding works with aplomb; his excellent technical craftsmanship, which is always the servant to his innate musicality, allied to a burnished, clear tone. It is especially true with the older solos such as 'Cheerful Voices', 'Heavenly Gales' and 'Victorious'.
Showcases
Steven Bulla's 'Heavenbound' and 'Crossroads' are featured, as is William Himes' 'Jubilance' - the minor slips somehow a reminder that even the great are occasionally fallible. The cornet duets 'Happy in the Fight' and 'Wonderful Words' see him paired beautifully with Lars-Otto Ljungholm, whilst he is joined by trombonist Brian Midgley in Ray Steadman-Allen's 'Good Companions'.
Although the style of the playing may sound a little dated by today’s tastes, there is no denying the skill of the players. The folk song settings and devotional items in particular reveal an attention to the detail of phrasing that today is rare. This is all about communicating with the listener.
Highly recommended
Those who already know of Ove's playing will cherish this record of his art, whilst any aspiring brass player would be well advised to listen and learn from it.
Peter Bale
Available from:
http://store.salvationarmy.ca/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36_492&products_id=14410
Tracks: CD 1
1. Wondrous Day
2. A Happy Day
3. Songs in The Heart
4. Cheerful Voices
5. Tucker
6. Happy All The Day
7. Heavenly Gales
8. Victorious
9. Someone Cares
10. Life's Pageant
Tracks: CD 2
1. Heavenbound
2. The Old Rugged Cross
3. Happy in The Fight
4. Love's Descent
5. Rhapsody on Negro Spirituals
6. Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross
7. Good companions
8. Folk Tune From Gotland
9. Folk Tune From Dala Floda
10. Crossroad
11. The Reason
12. Wonderful Words
13. Jubilance
14. Som När Ett Barn Kommer Hem
