Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

Fresh from winning their fifth British Open title earlier this year, the Cory Band with Dr Robert Childs release the first volume in a new concert piece series, recorded at a school in Aberdare. The CD comprises a well balanced programme of 16 pieces, some well known and some not so well known. There is a high standard of arranging here with nothing "standard" about them. Even the well known "Carnival Of Venice" features a fresh arrangement by jazz trumpet player Harry James, with the band jauntily swinging along behind the trumpet soloist. Childs' arrangement of Glinka's "Ruslan And Ludmilla" overture has made it a rousing showpiece. There are plenty of showpieces here, such as "A Troika? Tidy!". This is the final movement of a Karl Jenkins euphonium concerto, oozing fun with its Russian sleigh ride introduction, rich added-note harmony middle section and return of the sleigh following a euphonium cadenza. Rimsky Korsakov's "Capriccio Espagnol" is another popular showpiece played with a swinging lilt as befits Spanish dancing, although the tambourine appears to drag a little towards the end and there are surprisingly a couple of other moments where the timing is less than solid. There are also some wonderful moments of pathos that pull at the heartstrings: Robert Childs' arrangement of the "Evening Prayer" from Humperdinck's "Hansel Und Gretel" is cinematic in its pathos. Dan Price's "Moonbeams", with its beautiful flugelhorn solo, is exquisite in its controlled ebb and flow. As well as the arrangement of "Carnival Of Venice" the programme also dives full-on into big band territory with Barry Forgie's "Tribute To Glen Miller", arranged for brass band by Dan Price, and Barrie Gott's "Light Walk". I could mention many examples of technical expertise throughout the CD, but will single out the tenor horn soloist, Owen Farr, who demonstrates impeccable control and dexterity on his own arrangement of the Finale from Haydn's Cello Concerto No 2, along with Gavin Pritchard's solo xylophone finesse demonstrated in the Hungarian composer Gustav Peter's "Erinnerung an Zirkus Renz", which evokes comical images of a circus. In summary, the blend of warmth, technical brilliance, fun and entertainment value makes this an excellent collection. Just the few slightly ropey timing moments knock it down from a 10 square to 9 square disc.

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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