Reviewed by Stephen Luff

The Foden's Band history starts in 1900 in Sandbach as a result of being let down in obtaining the services of a nearby town band. It proved to be a wise move, since the band have gone on to become one of the most loved brass ensembles in the country, winning numerous awards. Here conducted by Michael Fowles, an eclectic selection is presented. The CD opens with a lively track "The Cossack", followed by "Colas Breugnon" taken from Dmitri Kabalevsky's opera, and, for those with esoteric tastes a version of Queen's "Innuendo", like you have never heard it before! For me the most outstanding track is the simply sublime "Marianne" (originally written for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra) featuring a fugal horn solo by Helen Williams. This disc has the potential to attract new listeners to the often seemingly closed world of brass bands. It deserves to.

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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