Household Troops Band Of The Salvation Army - Just Like John
STYLE: Brass Band RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 94570-16707 LABEL: Salvationist Publishing & Supp 25049 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £13.95
Reviewed by Ian Hayter
Since 1997 the Household Troops Band of the Salvation Army has made 17 albums, all under the expert direction of Major John Mott. This is his last outing, hence, no doubt, the album's title, taken from a line in an old spiritual which appears here in Norman Bearcroft's arrangement. We have the usual mixture of brilliant arrangements of classic (and classical - "Crown Imperial" and "Pie Jesu") tunes, excellent original compositions from the very best of the Army's own composers, and superb musicianship, with virtuoso solo performances by cornettist Daniel Robson, euphonium players Keith Loxley and Christian Marklew (the latter's "The Better World" is magnificent), and trombonist Andrew Newell. The album begins with William Gordon's fanfare "Laudes Domini", which is based on the hymn tune "When Morning Gilds The Skies", and from there to the final "Truth Aflame" (a sparkling nine-minute overture by soprano cornettist Kevin Norbury based on William Booth's "Send The Fire") there is not a single duff note nor an ill-judged harmony. This is brass music that sends the spirit soaring and glorifies the God who is at the very heart of all these pieces. If you love brass music - and, I suspect, even if you don't - you'll be delighted by all 11 tracks on this album.
The opinions expressed in this article are
not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.
Product Description
2010 marks the retirement of Major John Mott as Bandmaster of the Household Troops Band and this recording is the last conducted by him. Although it is not a personal selection of favourites, there are some tracks which fit that category.
Posted by Carole Gray in Mevagissey, Cornwall @ 20:04 on Jul 19 2010
This is a message for John Mott, conductor of the Household
troops band. Carole would like to make contact with you.
Please would you forward him my E-mail address. many thanks
This is a message for John Mott, conductor of the Household troops band. Carole would like to make contact with you. Please would you forward him my E-mail address. many thanks