CD: Grimethorpe 100

In celebration of its centenary year, Grimethorpe Colliery Band presents a compilation disc featuring some of the band’s most iconic works, with recordings dating from 1992 to 2011.

Famous for the 1997 film Brassed Off, the first section of the disc - The Film Stars and More - features the familiar Florentiner March and Finale from William Tell, though it is perhaps the beautiful simplicity of Irish Tune from County Derry that remains the most memorable. Alongside these classics are Fingal’s Cave, the poignant hymn, Gresford, and a sparkling rendition of The Queen of the Night’s Aria from soprano cornet soloist, Kevin Crockford.

The second section of the CD, The Entertainers, is a celebration of the band’s famous skill at entertaining audiences. Styles and genres to suit a wide range of tastes are included, with highlights such as Ruby Tuesday and Buster Strikes Back (featuring cornet soloist, Alan Morrison) from the 1980s-‘90s, alongside Mambo Caliente and I’ll walk with God from the 2000s.

While the disc is weighted somewhat towards the casual listener, the more avid brass band enthusiasts will welcome the inclusion of two famous contest-winning test-pieces in the final section entitled The Winners. First, the band revisits the famous 1969 British Open victory, with the extrovert changes in the musical colour and style, Gilbert Vinter’s Spectrum being brought vividly to life in this 2003 recording.

Lastly, Philip Wilby’s The New Jerusalem came at a time of considerable turmoil for the band, with the closure of Grimethorpe Colliery announced only four days before becoming the 1992 champion band of Great Britain. This recording celebrates the band’s unforgettable triumph in the face of adversity, whilst serving as a reminder that this exquisitely crafted piece of music has been sadly neglected in recent years.

Nostalgic in the best possible way, Grimethorpe 100 provides the listener with an insight into the band over the years, not just through the informative programme notes, but also in the differences in recordings over time. Most importantly, though, it captures the spirit of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band’s image in what will be an essential disc for the fans of this world-famous ensemble.

THOMAS DUNNE

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