CD: Patrons’ Choice IX

The recording opens with Howard Snell’s masterly arrangement of Bernstein’s overture to 'Candide'. The refreshingly stately pace gives opportunity for the full clarity and rhythmic detail of the music to be heard. From the opening track we are immediately aware that this is a team on top form; the precision of ensemble, the unity of articulation, and a meticulous sense of balance are all evident.

Richard Poole (soprano cornet) is the first of the bands featured soloists in Stephen Bulla’s well-known arrangement of the Christian hymn 'Blessed Assurance'. Throughout the arrangement Richard exhibits tranquil beauty and control, especially in the opening melodic lines, and contrasts this with some electrifying power to close.

Matthew Eden’s new work 'Spring Song' is a perfect vehicle for Mark Wilkinson’s tastefully expressive solo cornet playing. For me this is the highlight of the recording and features the ever poetic playing that Mark never fails to display.

John Rutter’s choral music is well known to all of us and a number of his compositions work very well for brass. Chris Wormald has done a wonderful job in arranging 'The Lord Bless You and Keep You' as a tenor horn solo. Soloist Steve Ridler’s playing is enviable indeed but for me, the track is marred slightly by some minor tuning issues.

Multi talented trombonist John Barber composed 'Little Star' for his fiancée and featured it on his recent solo release 'Barber' as a piano solo. Andy Scott has arranged his composition for full band and it is a lovely reflective piece that compliments the rest of the recording very well indeed.

Soloists David Thornton (Euphonium) and Sarah Lenton (Baritone) are also featured in music by Richard Rock and Saint Saens. Both display complete command of their instruments and a sense of musicality that suits their choice of solo repertoire perfectly. Fodens Band round off their contribution with a terrific rendition of Eric Crees’ arrangement of 'West Side Story'.

The remainder of the release features the wonderfully talented Fodens Youth Band conducted by Michael Fowles and Mark Bousie. Their choice of repertoire features music by Alan Fernie, Philip Harper, Philip Sparke and Simon Dobson. This is the first time I have had the pleasure of hearing Fodens Youth Band and have to say the quality and standard of their ensemble playing literally blew me away. The challenges presented by these new compositions were overcome with true aplomb. Huge congratulations to all involved in this young organisation, it is a wonderful example of what can be achieved with dedication, commitment and first class direction. Bravi to all.

In conclusion, this is a thoroughly enjoyable recording which has been produced, edited and mastered with usual World of Sound professionalism. Highly recommended.

Programme 4/5
Presentation 4/5
Recording 5/5
Performance 5/5