*
banner

CD review: Scarborough Fayre

Hammonds Band
Conductor: Morgan Griffiths
Soloists: Kirsty Abbotts, Zoe Wright, Alan Morrison, Michael Walsh
Much Loved Productions
KMJ Recordings: HB0005


There was a time when the brass band movement in the UK inhabited an Arcadian land of cultural popularity; an era when the railways disgorged bandsman and their supporters by their thousands to enjoy the earthly Edwardian delights of London’s Crystal Palace.

Nowadays the reality is that bands must work harder than ever to maintain not only success, but relevance and profile.

Hammonds has certainly done that more than most.  

Solid slabs

Over the last 15 years Morgan Griffiths has dug deep foundations on which to build his band’s future - dropping down to the First Section before patiently making incremental steps to return to the British Open, and most recently to the National Finals for a second successive year.

This neatly produced promotional CD, linked to their regular appearance at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, certainly reflects that; the easy listening music aimed at a specific entertainment demographic that appreciates talent as solid as slabs of Yorkshire limestone. 

What is performed is delivered very well. 

There is also a surprise or two amid the familiarity - notably the subdued colourings of  ‘Sunset Serenade’  by Thomas Doss, whilst Sandy Smith’s cracking arrangement of ‘Escorregando’  is a vibrant taste of Copacabana brought to shoreline of Scarborough Bay.

The quartet of high-class soloists are on prime form; Kirsty Abbotts on the delicate ‘Alaw’  by Tom Davoren and Zoe Wright with the tender ‘The Rowan Tree’.  Alan Morrison enjoys himself with a belting ‘Memory’  from ‘Cats’,  as does Michael Walsh with a dram or three of musical malt on the ‘Wee Cooper of Fife’.

Vibrant taste

There is also a surprise or two amid the familiarity - notably the subdued colourings of  ‘Sunset Serenade’  by Thomas Doss, whilst Sandy Smith’s cracking arrangement of ‘Escorregando’  is a vibrant taste of Copacabana brought to shoreline of Scarborough Bay.

Elsewhere we head on well-trodden pathways to Hollywood and Broadway, march in both quick and measured step with Strauss and Respighi, and detour for some Russian romance. 

There is also a reminder of 1950s BBC Light Programme optimism with Ronald Binge’s ‘Elizabethan Serenade’  and Gordon’s Langford’s alchemist’s touch on the title track. 

It’s a pity though there are no sleeve notes to remind the listener about the aptness of Lionel Monkton’s musical accompaniment to ‘The Arcadians’.

Even today it’s an accurate reflection of the realities of brass band life.

Iwan Fox


To purchase: https://www.hammondsband.org.uk/online-shop/scarborough-fayre

Play list:

1. That's Entertainment (Dietz/Schartz arr. M. Bennett)
2. The Arcadians Overture (L. Monkton arr. Wood)
3. Alaw (T. Davoren)
Soloist: Kirtsy Abbotts

4. Astaire! (Berlin/Kern etc arr. S. Smith)
5. The Rowan Tree (Scots trad arr. S. Smith
Soloist: Zoe Wright

6. Dark Eyes (Russian trad arr. S. Smith)
7. Scarborough Fair (trad arr. G. Langford)
8. Mame (J. Herman arr. A. Morrison)
9. Where Our Flag Waves (J. Strauss II)
10. Memory from ‘Cats' (Lloyd Webber arr. A. Catherall
Soloist: Alan Morrison

11. Wee Cooper O Fife (Scots trad arr. A. Drover
Soloist: Michael Walsh

12. Sunset Serenade (T. Doss)
13. Escorregando (Tango Brasileiro) (E. Nazareth arr. S. Smith)
14. Elizabethan Serenade (R. Binge)
15. March from 'The Pines of Rome' (O. Respighi arr. H. Snell)

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    



Northop Silver Band - Christmas Concert with Kirsty Abbotts

Sunday 3 December • St Eurgain & St Peter, Church Road, Northop CH7 6BQ


Boarshurst Silver Band - Littleborough Band

Sunday 3 December • Boarshurst Band Club. Greenbridge Lane. Greenfield. Oldham OL3 7EW


Garforth Brass - Garforth Community Choir

Wednesday 6 December • St James the Great,. Manston,. Crossgates, . Leeds,. LS15 8JB LS15 8JB


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 9 December • Longridge Civic Hall, Calder Avenue, Longridge, Ribble Valley, Lancashire. PR3 3WD


The Hepworth Band - Championship Brass & Voices for Christmas

Saturday 9 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


St Swithuns Brass Band

December 3 • St Swithuns Band are seeking a MUSICAL DIRECTOR. We are a friendly, non-contesting band playing at various local events throughout the year. We are looking for someone who can take the Band forward as our current MD is retiring after 18+ years.


Crewe Brass

December 3 • Crewe Brass are looking for a 2ND HORN to join our highly motivated 3rd section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 3 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION players TUNED/KIT to join our highly motivated 3rd section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2023 4barsrest.com Ltd