Whitburn Band
Conductor: Michael Fowles
Soloists: Chris Bradley, Andrew McMillan, Scott Forest, Paul Kiernan, Charlie Boax, Caroline Farren
Doyen Recordings: DOY CD438
Although they have featured on several compilation releases over the past few years, ‘Astralis’ marks a long overdue solo return to the recording studio for Whitburn.
In the 20 years since ‘Reflections of Freedom’ the West Lothian band has claimed eight Scottish Championships, nine Scottish Opens, the Grand Shield twice and represented the nation at six European Championships – a mark of the quality that has underpinned them on the contest stage.
In that time, they have also gained a respected reputation for their non-competitive artistic outlook. Hopefully then, they won’t need to use the James Webb Space Telescope to locate their next CD recording date.
Creation
Commissioned by the band for the 2023 European Championships, ‘Astralis’ reflects on Philip Wilby’s wonderment of the incredible images taken by a man-made object scanning the infinity of God’s creation.
An immensely serious work, it is clearly understood and performed as such.
It also draws deeply on his own musical inspirations rather than those on which he has built many of his other major works. The result is five movements built on intense textures, detailed threads and colourings linked to lengthy developments of multiple musical ideas.
An immensely serious work, it is clearly understood and performed as such.
Refined poise
A fine stable of soloists offer contrast with their own inspirations – led with refined poise by principal cornet Chris Bradley on Christopher Bond’s ‘Echoes of Reflection’.
Others who have formed the backbone to multiple contesting successes also enjoy themselves: Scott Forrest, Paul Kiernan and Caroline Farren all play with cultured maturity, whilst the rising stars of Andrew McMillan and Charlies Boax display youthful virtuosity with exuberant excellence.
Michael Fowles directs with relaxed authority, allowing free rein in bringing the musical character through on each of the ‘concert’ pieces
Michael Fowles directs with relaxed authority, allowing free rein in bringing the musical character through on each of the ‘concert’ pieces – from the opening ‘Euroflash’ and ‘Valaisia Variants’ to the Broadway/Disney hits of ‘One Night Only’ and ‘The Bells of Notre Dame’, the big band heat of ‘La Suerte de los Tontos’ and ‘Bali Ha’i’.
Whisky wit
It is Colin Skinner’s wonderfully inventive ‘Scottish Suite for Brass Band’ though that catches the ear with its nods of stylistic appreciation to Malcolm Arnold in both its seriousness and humour, and played with an authentic flavour of whisky wit and pathos.
with its nods of stylistic appreciation to Malcolm Arnold in both its seriousness and humour, played with an authentic flavour of whisky wit and pathos.
Hopefully, it will be quickly spotted by many more bands wishing to add something with distinctive star quality to their contest and concert programmes.
Iwan Fox
To purchase:
CD: https://www.worldofbrass.com/102189
Download: https://www.worldofbrass.com/102189-download
Wobplay: http://www.wobplay.com
Play list:
1. Euroflash (Damien Lagger)
2. Scottish Suite for Brass Band (Colin Skinner)
i. Simmer Dim
ii. Dance O’ The Tattie-Bogles
iii. Sweetheart Abbey
iv. Clanjamfrie
6. Echoes Of Reflection (Christopher Bond)
Soloist: Chris Bradley
7. Bali Ha’i (Hammerstein II, Rodgers, arr. Colin Skinner)
8. Mille Grazie… Paganini! (Daniel Hall)
Soloist: Andrew McMillan
9. Valaisia Variants (Tom Davoren)
10. Husavik (Kotecha, Grahn, Goransson, arr. Chris Shanks)
Soloist: Scott Forrest
11. The Bells of Notre Dame (Schwartz, Menken arr. Eoin Tonner)
12. A World of Your Own (Hannon, King, Farnaby, arr. Eoin Tonner)
Soloist: Paul Kiernan
13. La Suerte de los Tontos (Johnny Richards, arr. Philip Harper)
14. Torque from Turbulence, Tide and Torque (Peter Graham)
Soloist: Charlie Boax
15. One Night Only (Eyen/Krieger arr. Christopher Bond)
16. Of Wind and Weeping (Christopher Bond)
Soloist: Caroline Farren
17. Astralis for Brass Band (Philip Wilby)
