CD: Endeavour

One of the early Salvation Army releases in the LP era was An evening at the citadel, which gave a taste of a typical musical festival. Endeavour, the latest recording from The International Staff Band (ISB), sets out to do something similar, covering the typical repertoire played during one of the band's frequent visits to corps.

A major role of The ISB is to introduce new music, and the majority of the pieces included date from the last year or so. Martin Cordner acted as Composer/ Arranger-in-Residence for the Boundless Congress, held at the O2 Arena in 2015, and his reworking of some of the music penned for that occasion gives a taste of the international nature of the celebrations. The global aspect of Salvation Army ministry and music is also reflected in contributions by Kevin Larsson (originally from the UK, but now firmly established in the USA), Swedish Bandmaster Andreas Holmlund and Australian Sam Creamer, with fellow Australian, Howard Davies, the writer of All the world is waiting, here arranged by Paul Sharman.

As Salvation Army music's main purpose is to enhance worship, there is usually a reference to one or more traditional hymn or contemporary worship song. The treatment of these melodies varies widely, encompassing the inventive use of an old chorus in Glory, Hallelujah!, more straightforward settings, such as the reflective Jesus, good above all other, and the more intricate Cross Rhythms, in which the majestic tune Cross of Jesus emerges from the texture following references to several other tunes.

The two featured soloists are on top form, with Richard Woodrow in Sam Creamer's jazzy Living Waters and Derick Kane soaring effortlessly into the upper register in Howard Evans's fine setting of When he cometh. The band proves itself adept at adapting to various styles, with the crispness of the march Spirit of the West sitting alongside the laid-back big-band writing of What a wonderful day. The climax of the programme is Peter Graham's To boldly go, written for The Melbourne Staff Band, and aptly summing up the motivation and aims of The Salvation Army.

After introductory comments by Bandmaster Dr. Stephen Cobb, informative sleeve notes are provided by William Himes and there is a fitting tribute to the memory of former Staff Bandsman Simon Birkett, with the inclusion of My story and song.

PETER BALE

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