CD of the month: Celebration

Celebration
An 80th Birthday Tribute to Howard Snell
Desford Colliery Band
Britannia Building Society Band
Foden’s Band
Soloists - various
Doyen: DOYCD365

This CD does exactly what it says in its title and celebrates the unique talents of Howard Snell as a conductor, arranger and composer.

It showcases recordings made by the two bands with which he has been most associated in performances full of energy, spirit and finesse.

The opening track does show its age a little in the recording transfer, but things quickly settle down and we are treated to a succession of perfectly formed ‘miniatures’, which changed the face of our concert repertoire and, indeed, the entertainment contest repertoire through the 1980s.

Lezghinka and Folk Festival Fizz are hallmarked by energy and precision with some stunning cornet section playing in evidence - controlled without being overblown.

There are some beautiful solo contributions from Martin Winter, Robert Watson, Steven Mead and Glyn Williams, along with deft accompaniments from the bands, the support of which doesn’t intrude upon the soloists. The subtle wash of sounds in The Swan is particularly evocative and the performance of Howard Snell's composition, Oration, from both soloist and band, sears through the soul.

Anyone Can Whistle bristles with inventive ideas, ear-catching key changes and humour, whilst Fantasy on Moto Perpetuo has its tongue firmly in its cheek and the rich sonorities of the Bach Arioso allow the middle instruments of the Britannia Building Society Band to shine gloriously.

The highlight of the CD is The Pines of Rome by Respighi. The array of colours presented is astonishing; the soprano cornet playing of Tracey Redfern a standout and the oft-played final march benefits from an attention to detail in the playing that is so often lost.

Live contest recordings are often the most thrilling, capturing the raw emotion of a performance delivered under pressure.

The Year of the Dragon delivers clean, precise, dynamic playing from the whole band in spades and the solo trombone playing of Nick Hudson deserves special mention.

Highly recommended as a reminder of the immense contributions made, as a conductor, arranger and composer, by one of the true giants of the brass band world.

SANDY SMITH

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