Reviewed by James Lidgett

The brass band is a British institution. It has long been regarded as the workingman's orchestra and the Salvation Army bands have always been some of the best. I myself once played cornet in a brass band for a number of years and even though my main musical exposure today is rock and metal, I still have a soft spot for quality brass band music. This album is quality in every single respect. The musicianship lacks nothing; of course high praise must go to bandmaster Ian Dickie for his skilful leadership. The combination of arrangements of songs from popular musicals (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom Of The Opera, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) mixed with songs from obscurer items from Church musical history (I wonder who remembers Jesus Folk, a musical by John Larsson and John Gowan) makes for a fascinating mix. Particular note has to go to the soloists. Cornet virtuoso Yvonne Ferguson, flugel horn soloist Lynn Shanks and lead vocalist Olwyn Mathie who all interpret the material with the eloquence of seasoned professionals. But for me, the highlight is the vocal of Gemma Gunn on Lloyd Webber's "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" which is nothing short of sensational! The effortless clarity and haunting quality of her voice hold this rendition right in the spotlight. An album with appeal far beyond the usual audience for brass band releases.

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.

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