South London Fellowship Band - Crown Of Gold: The Music Of Ray Bowes
STYLE: Brass Band RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 102160-17275 LABEL: 258 FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Theo Bowyer
Formed in 1994 the South London Fellowship Band are another ensemble in the rich stream of Salvationist aggregations. "A Testimony Of Praise" kicks off proceedings with a rousing trio of songs, starting appropriately with "Praise Him With Melody, Praise Him With Song". Listening to this collection reminds me of dusk setting in, sipping hot chocolate whilst listening to the Cowes Concert Band in Shanklin, Isle of Wight. The arrangements by Ray Bowes are nothing short of innovative as can be heard on "Sunshine Mountain", a reworking of the classic children's chorus. The album features highly regarded soloists, Keith Hutchinson (cornet) and Simon Birkett (euphonium) and they enhance the already rich texture. "Rhapsody For Cornet And Band" starts sparsely with Hutchinson's haunting cornet motif interspersed with trombone rasps, while the evergreen hymn "Abide With Me" is in total contrast, yet still delivered with glorious reverence. "Crown Of Gold" perhaps shows off Bowes' greatest work with a dynamic, progressive arrangement encapsulating the three movements with great style.
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