CD: Celebrate The Season

The International Staff Band of the Salvation Army
Staff Bandmaster: Stephen Cobb
Philip Cobb - trumpet/flugel
Carl Nielsen - cornet
Richard Woodrow - flugel horn
SP&S: 404 CD

When this disc dropped through the letterbox for review, I was hoping for a mix of new arrangements and original works rather than the tried and trusted - I was not disappointed! This is a very well thought-out repertoire list indeed.

The disc opens with A Christmas Overture by Kevin Larsson; a well-constructed offering using five well-known carols. It reveals The ISB in crisp, stylish mood, but when necessary beautifully reflective, with the sound captured to the usual high standards of the World of Sound team.

The abilities of Philip Cobb are well-known as both a soloist and Principal Trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra. Philip is also a committed Salvationist and, as guest soloist on this disc, he delivers the Tom Kubris big band version of O Holy Night. Unsurprisingly, the style showed by the soloist is right on the money and the version used, which is not in the typical triplet-based setting, makes for an interesting take on this much-loved carol.

The other two soloists on the disc are certainly worthy of mention. In Mary Walked Amid the Thorn cornet soloist, Carl Nielsen, produces a track of genuine beauty and simplicity, whilst in Sweet Little Jesus Boy flugel soloist, Richard Woodrow, effortlessly portrays a relaxed Latin feel - both tracks are standout moments on the CD for this listener.

The rest of the shorter pieces on the disc are a delight of style variation. From Carol of the Bells through to Everlasting Light (a high-quality meditation that holds the interest throughout and provides a track of true reflective tranquillity), the level of creativity in the writing is a feature of the recording. One piece that will be known to people is Kevin Norbury’s fine version of Gaudete. The ISB and Staff Bandmaster, Stephen Cobb, really display all their considerable quality in bringing this to life; it’s a real tour-de-force performance.

The highly informative and spiritually contextual programme notes by Andrew Blyth lift the final element of production to the same level as the rest in this highly enjoyable disc, which ably awakens the festive spirit in the listener.

MICHAEL FOWLES – CONDUCTOR/ADJUDICATOR

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