CD: Elemental

Nick Walkley – freelance professional musician and former principal cornet of Fairey, Leyland, and Cory (World Championships 2009) reviews the latest release from the 2015 Brass in Concert champion

With its eye-catching minimalist cover design and a snappy one-word title, Cory Band’s latest release has a contemporary look that appears to promise a bold and progressive programme of music.

The title Elemental also suggests a thematic concept rooted in ancient Grecian philosophy, as referenced on page one of the booklet. However, rather than Earth, air, fire and water, the album actually adopts the rather more traditional elementary inclusions of overture, hymn-tune, transcription and solo feature. Beneath the slick graphics and title actually lies a time-honoured band concert programme format.

The expectation of Cory nowadays is of dazzling musical performances and this album does not disappoint on that front. Particular highlights are the Spanish staple of Mark Freeh’s superb Malaguena arrangement and Tom Hutchinson’s astonishing delivery of Fuego! Glyn Williams provides
a beautiful tender moment with
In Gardens of peace, whilst
the performance of Berlioz’s
The Brigand’s Orgy is truly breathtaking. That Philip Harper is the mastermind behind these is no accident; his talent for orchestration showcases this brilliant band to the maximum. However, his original title track ‘opener’ is the album’s least successful moment. A bemusing introductory voiceover only detracts from the beautiful cornet playing of Stephanie Wilkins; but for this odd moment, it would have been a sparkling introduction.

Unfortunately the inclusion of some classic ‘yellow paper music’
is somewhat unexpected after such
a theatrical opening. Immediately abandoning the ‘Elemental concept’, the contrast of Suppé’s Poet and Peasant overture seems unwelcome, as does the inclusion of items like Sullivan’s Yeoman of the Guard. Much loved as this repertoire is, on this occasion it feels like you’ve invited your grandfather out for cocktails in a trendy nightclub.

Otherwise, the performance from the band is spectacular throughout. As can only be expected, the production from World of Sound is also impeccable. What lets down the disc is, paradoxically, its sleek presentation. Rather than enhance, it confuses and excites expectations other than the Cory Band in the concert-style programme actually delivered. It does not, however, inhibit the enjoyment of some exceptional brass playing.

Programme  3/5
Performance 4/5
Recording     4/5
Presentation 3/5

This release is available to purchase here 

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