Music: Grace

Based on the hymn Amazing Grace, Ty Watson presents a short, accessible work heavily inspired by Gospel music. An extended flugel horn solo accompanied by trombones opens the piece, exploring the Amazing Grace theme in a quasi-improvisatory style, allowing the soloist time to perform the musical line freely and expressively, true to the intended style.

Following this opening section, the full band breaks into a gospel shuffle, formed by a ‘written swing’, augmented by the prominent drum kit line, notably in the ad-lib high-hat.

Engaging effectively with this perhaps unfamiliar style, whilst maintaining the ensemble discipline of the band, will be among the more significant challenges to be faced. Whilst at times a touch repetitive in nature, there are several brief solo interjections from various instruments that effectively add variety for the listener.

The work presents little in the way of technical difficulty, so would be ideal for lower section bands, or for introducing youth players to the gospel style. Either way, the piece has an easy charm that should see it please audiences as a change of pace and genre in a programme of light concert music.

THOMAS DUNNE

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