CD: ROAR!

ROAR!
The Wind Band Music of Andy Scott
Maidstone Wind Symphony
Conductor: Jonathan Crowhurst
Euphonium: Steven Mead
Tuba: Les Neish
Trumpet: Rex Richardson
Flute: Andy Findon

Although billed as ‘the wind band music of Andy Scott’, brass enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in this disc, notably in the three brass soloists Steven Mead,
Les Neish and Rex Richardson, each of which explores Andy Scott’s wonderfully unique musical style.

The first featured soloist is the indomitable
Les Neish, performing the Salt of the Earth tuba concerto and pushing the boundaries of technical possibility for the instrument in the process. The listener is left mesmerised by the extreme
ranges on show, unparalleled technical dexterity and extended techniques brought to life amongst the lively funk and Latin-jazz inspired accompaniment. This is contrasted with the simple relaxed beauty of the central Gospel movement. Simply put, this is some of the finest tuba playing that you will ever hear!

Since its release in 2011, Andy Scott’s distinctive Concerto for Euphonium has remained popular for
its distinctive compositional style, whilst also garnering something of a reputation for difficulty! No such issues here, however, as Steven Mead effortlessly dispatches the technical acrobatics of the outer movements, whilst demonstrating the utmost sensitivity and
control in the slow movement. Meanwhile trumpet soloist, Rex Richardson, demonstrates considerable stylistic and technical versatility in the appropriately named Freedom of Movement. A number of jazz styles are explored throughout this substantial work, from the smooth to the wild, in a thoroughly satisfying listening experience. Finally, flute soloist Andy Findon’s expressive nuance is a joy to behold in the poignant Fujiko - a compositional gem of Andy Scott’s fertile musical imagination.

Throughout the disc, Maidstone Wind Symphony proves itself to be a solid, well-balanced ensemble with substantial capability, demonstrated in the ensemble features of Madiba and Paquito.

Whilst it may be the exquisite soloists that initially draw in brass-focused listeners, they will find themselves transfixed by Andy Scott’s truly absorbing music, perhaps best described by the conductor of the disc, Jonathan Crowhurst: “When one talks about composers in the present age, there are few one can describe as having a truly unique and individual voice - Andy Scott is an exception”.

THOMAS DUNNE


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