Like the other five recordings in the Black Dyke Gold series, volume six contains music typical of their concert programmes. As tradition dictates it starts with a march, a new one. Yorkshire Brass by Derek Broadbent is fashioned in the traditional mould, and as the title suggests it has a Yorkshire flavour with its main theme being the song ‘My girl’s a Yorkshire Girl’.
Leonard Bernstein’s popular Candide Overture is given a sparkling performance in this arrangement by Howard Snell. Herbert Howells’ suite Pageantry written in 1934 is a well-loved test piece that brings back memories to us older bandsmen.
There are five solo items on the disc which allow various instrumentalists to show off their skills in a variety of styles. First up is solo horn player Siobhan Bates who displays good tone and style in an arrangement by Goff Richards of Over the Rainbow’.
One September Morning was written especially by Robert Eaves for soloists Zoe Hancock (flugel) and Katrina Marzella (baritone). Its mood is wistful and haunting.
Peter Graham’s euphonium solo Bravura is a brilliant exhibition piece for the instrument with its many references to national songs. It is here given a wizardly dazzling performance by Daniel Thomas.
Two of the solo items are from the sound track of James Bond 007 films. Nobody Does It Better features the horn section of Zoe Hancock, Siobhan Bates, Alison Childs, Sammy Latus and Katrina Marzella. Live and Let Die also from the James Bond suite, features soprano soloists Benjamin Richeton, Martin Erwin and kit player Matthew Rigg. The other piece from the James Bond suite is On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Bruce Broughton’s film music Suite from Young Sherlock Holmes is a pleasant piece of listening with some nice melodic moments and exiting interludes. Broughton, who is perhaps best known for his compositions for the Salvation Army transcribed the work for brass band from his orchestral score.
Another piece of film music by Bruce Broughton is the title song for Alone Yet Not Alone. It is just so beautifully relaxing in this artistic arrangement by Peter Graham.
Hallelujah Chorus is undoubtedly the best known chorus from Handel’s oratorio Messiah. Having sung in over twenty performances of Messiah, it is my opinion that there are other choruses in the work that are musically superior to the Hallelujah. Having said that, this arrangement by Philip Wilby, (who swells the band sound from the organ), is quite refreshing.
Peter Graham’s To Boldly Go provides an excellent finale to the programme. It is constructed around two well-known Salvation Army songs, ‘I’ll Go in the Strength of the Lord’ and ‘I’ll Not Turn Back’. It is here given an uplifting performance.
This CD provides some interesting listening and as one would expect from this combination the presentation from band and soloists of a high standard throughout. It provides over 66 minutes of enjoyable listening.
Tracks:
1. Yorkshire Brass - Derek Broadbent [3.06]
2 - 4. Pageantry - Herbert Howells
i) King's Herald [4.06]
ii) Cortege [5.04]
iii) Jousts [4.14]
5. Over the Rainbow - Arlen Arr: Goff Richards - Tenor Horn Soloist - Siobhan Bates [4.11]
6. Suite from 'Young Sherlock Holmes' - Bruce Broughton [6.04]
7. One September Morning - Robert Eaves - Flugel Horn and Baritone Duet Zoe Hancock and Katrina Marzella [4.26]
8. Hallelujah Chorus - Handel Arr: Philip Wilby - Organist: Philip Wilby [3.34]
9. Bravura - Peter Graham - Euphonium Soloist - Daniel Thomas [4.45]
10. Candide Overture - Leonard Bernstein Arr: Howard Snell [4.10]
James Bond 007 Suite
11. On her Majesty's Secret Service - John Barry Arr: Darrol Barry [ 2.20]
12. Nobody Does it Better - Hamlisch Arr: Robin Dewhurst - Soloists: Zoe Hancock, Siobhan Bates, Alison Childs, Sammy Latus, Katrina Marzella [3.21]
13. Live and Let Die - Paul McCartney Arr: Ray Farr - Soprano Soloists: Benjamin Richeton and Martin Irwin, Kit Player: Matthew Rigg [4.03]
14. Alone Yet Not Alone - Bruce Broughton Arr: Peter Graham [ 4.07]
15. Boldly Go - Peter Graham [7.54]
Jeffrey Turner
