*
banner

CD review: From the Stage & Screen

Burbage Band (Buxton)
Conductor: Steve Critchlow
Soloists: Nathan Gratton, Carl Gartside, Laura Critchlow
CD: BUX001

The Burbage Band (Buxton) has a long and proud history, and even though it cannot boast a CV of contesting achievements to match the most famous bands in the world, it has notched up quite a few successes along its way since 1861. 

In the last few years under MD Steve Critchlow they have risen from the depths of the Midlands Area Fourth Section to become a highly competitive First Section outfit - claiming a brace of Area titles and promotions along the way.

Enjoyable showcase

This 2018 recording is an enjoyable showcase based on a strong thematic line that does what it says on the tin and which will have surely have sold well at concerts throughout the year.

Neatly produced and performed there is something for everyone to enjoy - from the opening ‘633 Squadron’ to the closing ‘Lord of the Dance’.    

In between we get a wide variety of filmatic inspiration; from the rousing ‘Battle of Rorke’s Drift’ from the classic film ‘Zulu’ to the delicacy of ‘One Fine Day’ from Puccini’s ‘Madame Butterfly’ played with tenderness by soprano cornet Nathan Gratton.

Neatly produced and performed there is something for everyone to enjoy - from the opening ‘633 Squadron’ to the closing ‘Lord of the Dance’.    

Lyrical leads

The familiar modern day catchiness of the likes of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, ‘Happy’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’ are lively and fun, whilst Carl Gartside and Laura Critchlow are fine lyrical leads with their solo spots on ‘Nessun Dorma’ and ‘On My Own’.

From ‘The Deer Hunter’ to ‘Skyfall’, ‘Mama Mia’ to ‘Forest Gump’ with plenty of popcorn fun in-between, the band plays with purposeful determination and a great deal of stylish intent.  

Dr. Jim Fox


Playlist:

To purchase: http://www.burbageband.co.uk/new-cd/

1. 633 Squadron (Goodman arr. by D. Barry)
2. Pirates of the Caribbean (Badelt & Zimmer arr. by D. Barry)
3. One Fine Day (Puccini arr. by G. Richards)
Soloist: Nathan Gratton
4. Alice in Wonderland (Elfman arr. by F. Bernaerts)
5. Nessun Dorma (Puccini arr. H. Snell)
Soloist: Carl Gartside
6. The Battle or Rorke’s Drift (Berry arr. R. Thorne)
7. Cavatina (Myers arr. D. Broadbent)
8. Happy (P. Williams arr. M. Brown)
9. On My Own (Schonberg arr. D. Barry)
Soloist: Laura Critchlow
10. Mamma Mia Soundtrack (Anderson & Ulvaeus arr. F. Bernaerts)
11. Memory from ‘Cats’ (Lloyd Webber arr. G. Richards)
12. Skyfall (Arkins arr. P. Sparke)
13. Feather Theme (Silvestri arr. by S. Smith)
14. Lord of the Dance (Hardiman arr. G. Somerset)

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    



Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd