CD: WOB17

This is the latest in a series of sampler discs produced by World of Brass to showcase the Company’s recent releases. The CDs are available to purchase, but are also given away to anyone spending £50 or more in a single transaction.

The range of music encompassed is very wide, varying from lollipops and programme fillers, to more substantial contest and concert repertoire.

In pride of place on World of Brass 17 is Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag’s Own-choice section- winning performance of Fraternity at the 2017 European Championships in Oostende. Other substantial repertoire includes Heaton's well-crafted Just as I am, movements from Arthur Butterworth's Odin and Edward Gregson's Four Études.

Soloists are well represented: Philip Cobb is in imperious form in Napoli (with excellent accompaniment from the Central Band of the RAF); Steve Stewart is in fine fettle for a movement from Darrol Barry's Concertino for Eb Soprano Cornet; and Joe Cook displays the lyrical side of the tuba in Nature Boy.

Nine different bands feature and, as one would expect with names such as Cory, Black Dyke and Grimethorpe, the playing is of a very high standard, with attention to style and detail at all times. There are even a couple of Christmas items to get one in the mood for the coming festive season.

Whilst there is undoubtedly much to enjoy, one cannot help but wonder about the appeal of such a compilation in the modern era’s variety of media for recorded music. No doubt anyone receiving this as a bonus disc will enjoy exploring the unfamiliar, but it is questionable whether the programme as a whole would encourage anyone to part with hard- earned cash. Downloading individual tracks (in the case of the ‘European’ performances, even available in video format from World of Brass), would seem a better option.

For anyone who does bite the bullet and explore this recording, the sleeve notes give virtually no information regarding the music included, which seems to be a lost opportunity.

PETER BALE

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