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Grimethorpe storm to Spennymoor victory
4BR has all the details of the major prizes and programmes of all
the bands that took part this year at Brass in Concert.
All this and our review of the premier entertainment contest. Read
on.......
Grimethorpe Colliery UK Coal are the 2002 Spennymoor Brass in Concert
Champions. They retained their title as the UK ‘s premier
entertainers with a programme that left the other contenders on
the day gasping somewhat in their wake. It was 11th victory in the
26 year history of the contest and also gave conductor Garry Cutt
his fifth win with the band here – he is now equal on wins
with Ray Farr and just one behind Howard Snell in the all time list.
The records kept coming for the boys from Grimey as they won the
“Best March” award for the 4th time (only Leyland are
ahead of them on 8 wins), as well as “Best Euphonium”
for the excellent Michael Dodd (the first player to retain the title)
The “Quality of Performance” award was also bagged
for the fourth time (another record and a repeat of last year) whilst
the band also took the Entertainment and Presentation prize for
a second year in a row.
The only prizes to elude them this year was the award for best
soprano, which was won by the on form Alan Wycherley, as well as
the award for best principal cornet which was won in fine style
by Darren Stott of Sellers International for some super solo and
ensemble playing throughout their performance.
The major solo award went to Shaun Thomas of JAG Mount Charles
who gave a cracker of an account of the Peter Graham “Brilliante”
that was quite outstanding. On a day when there were many very fine
solo performances, this really was the pick and Shaun follows a
long list of superb euphonium players to have won the award, such
as Glyn Williams, Robert Wood, David Moore, Nicholas Childs, Steven
Mead and Billy Millar.
Young Michael Smith of JAG Mount Charles picked up the tidy sum
of £200 for being the youngest player on the day, whilst the
Cornish band also picked up the award for the best presentation
of the scores presented to the adjudicators.
The Full Results:
1. Grimethorpe Colliery UK Coal: 198pts + 58pts = 256 pts
2. Fodens Richardson: 195pts + 54pts = 249 pts
3. JAG Mount Charles: 192pts + 56pts = 248 pts
4. Sellers International: 190pts + 52pts = 242 pts
5. The Ransome Band: 188pts + 52pts = 240 pts
6. Leyland: 186pts + 53pts = 239 pts
7. Kirkintilloch: 187pts + 51pts = 238 pts
8. Ever Ready: 182pts + 55pts = 237 pts
9. Carlton Main Frickley: 181pts + 49pts = 230 pts
10. Yorkshire Imperial D. Urquhart 180pts + 49pts = 229 pts
11. Besses O’ th’ Barn: 178pts + 50pts = 228 pts
Winning Soloist: Shaun Thomas – JAG Mount Charles
Performing: Brilliante – Peter Graham
Best Soprano: Alan Wycherley – Fodens Richardson
Best Principal Cornet: Darren Stott – Sellers International
Best Euphonium: Michael Dodd – Grimethorpe Colliery
Best March: New Colonial – Grimethorpe Colliery
Youngest Player: Michael Smith – JAG Mount Charles
Quality Performance Award: Grimethorpe Colliery
New Music Award: Sellers International – “You Raised
Me Up” – Andy Duncan
Entertainment and Presentation: Grimethorpe Colliery – 58pts
Winning Conductor Award: Garry Cutt – Grimethorpe Colliery
Review:
There was little doubt at the end of the day that Grimethorpe were
deserved winners of the 2002 Brass in Concert Championships. Once
more they showed that when presented with the opportunity to construct
an entertainment programme they do so with a purpose and clarity
of thought that is at times stunning.
Last year Grimethorpe gave us the “Laurel and Hardy”
slapstick routine and a programme that veered perhaps to the very
limit of intelligent visual entertainment. It was a move that other
bands hadn’t thought possible and as such was a giant step
ahead of the field. As a result they scored a maximum 60 points
for their efforts, and although it was visually memorable, the music
itself was less so. This year, and never a band to rest on its laurels
(or Hardy’s) they once more ensured they stayed hop, step
and jump ahead as they turned almost full circle to produce a programme
that returned to a basis of musical brilliance first, entertainment
value second.
Just when bands and MD’s think they have found the answer
to the question of the entertainment enigma, up pop Grimethorpe
to show them that they, and only they, know the secret of that particular
philosopher’s stone. Grimethorpe can make entertainment gold
from musical base metal.
Grimethorpe’s programme owed much to the direction of Garry
Cutt and the talented arrangement (and playing) skills of horn player
Sandy Smith. Five of the bands items were arranged by him, and all
had a stamp of quality about them, whilst Garry Cutt once more showed
that his undemonstrative skills with the baton really do bring the
best out of the band. Why he wasn’t used for the other contest
of the year is a mystery to us – Grimethorpe seem more at
ease with him in front of them.
The programme was well balanced and brilliantly delivered with
top class solo and ensemble playing. The humour was there, but it
never swamped the music and the ending in the form of Respighi’s
“Danza Orgiastica” was stonking. The win was never in
question and the final 7 point winning margin (256 not 266 points
as reported elsewhere in the printed press – which was mathematically
impossible even for Grimey) was a suitable reward. Grimethorpe are
the once again the Masters of all they entertainingly survey.
Fodens Richardson came second – the first time they have
failed to win under the baton of Russell Gray – but they could
have no cause for complaint and in truth were pushed harder than
they could have thought for the runners up spot by JAG Mount Charles.
They also opted for a programme that relied more on musical input
than sheer visual entertainment, but on this occasion you were left
wondering if they couldn’t have extended themselves just a
bit more with the former and less with the latter. A cracking march
was followed by the imperious Glyn Williams with a potboiler of
a solo that seemed to sound perhaps a touch too easy for him! Frode
Rydland, the soprano cornet player of Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag
provided two very neat pieces of work in the form of “Reel
Music” and “Rev, Archie Beaton” that were neatly
executed, before they ended with a romp through “The Little
Russian”. It was superbly controlled and the technical challenges
throughout were brushed aside with disdain (as was the old Snell
arrangement of Moto Perpetuo) but it left you just a little underwhelmed.
It was worthy of second place, but in reality it was a programme
that couldn’t get them within touching distance of the winners.
JAG Mount Charles on the other hand played out of their skins and
gave a performance that was a real coming of age for the band at
this level. Previously they had flattered to deceive when in need
to produce the goods their talent deserved, but on this occasion
they performed with a swagger and brilliance that only Grimethorpe
bettered. The programme had the feel of being superbly well rehearsed
– the choreography was spot on, the humour just right, whilst
the standard of playing was as good as anything we heard all day.
In addition they had an outstanding soloist in the shape of Shaun
Thomas who gave a suitably brilliant account of “Brilliante”
by Peter Graham that fully deserved the soloist award – and
in this company that is really saying something. Technically it
wasn’t perhaps the hardest programme to play, but the band
played to its strengths and had excellent direction from Bryan Hurdley.
On this form they are a very fine band indeed and for many they
possibly pipped Fodens for second place – lets hope they can
carry it on to the big contests of 2003.
Fourth place went to Sellers International with a programme that
relied heavily on the arranging skills of Andy Duncan and once more
they showed that they are a band to listen out for. Perhaps a bit
more entertainment to the programme would have benefited them –
some of the music sounded a touch “samey” but overall
it was another performance of real merit – technically adroit
with some fine ensemble work and an excellent bit of cornet leadership
and solo playing from Darren Stott. He took the principal cornet
prize for an excellent rendition of Andy Duncan’s fine arrangement
of “You Raise Me up” (which won the new music award
– his 6th win). 3rd last year and 4th this time around –
Sellers are back in business, and could well be a band to make a
mark in 2003.
Fifth spot was taken by the Ransome Band under the direction of
Peter Parkes, who gave a well-balanced programme that had some really
classy touches about it. From the glittering opener “Amazonia”
right through to two movements from the Eric Crees arrangement of
“America” and “Somewhere” from West Side
Story (music that is immensely difficult to make come off, as well
as get permission to play) there was plenty to note – especially
a fine bit of euph playing from David Belshaw. Perhaps it needed
just a touch more oomph about it as a whole, but nonetheless it
deservedly took the fifth placing.
Below these bands (these were the ones announced off the stage)
the contest broke into two distinct groups with Leyland, Kirkintilloch
and Ever Ready more than a couple of lengths ahead of Carlton Main,
Yorkshire Imperial and Besses.
Leyland played well enough without ever suggesting they would come
any higher, and although it was more than competent playing, that
sparkle and sheen we have come to expect from them over the years
was missing. There was some super horn playing from Donna Lewis
and a cracking old Sousa march, but the rest of the programme never
quite came off and the final item, “1492 Conquest of Paradise”
was perhaps their weakest. Overall it was good stuff, but nowhere
near vintage Leyland.
Kirkintilloch made a real mark here last year when they came 5th,
but this time they couldn’t quite repeat the feat and they
came home 7th. Once more they gave a varied and well thought out
programme (although there was perhaps one item too many for us)
and the “Minnie the Moocher” feature was excellent.
It fell a little flat in places and the Simon and Garfunkel “Bridge
over Troubled Waters” didn’t come off, but once more
Kirky more than held their own in top class company.
Ever Ready gave perhaps the most interesting programme of the day
– a compilation of Ray Farr’s greatest moments which
very nearly came off in spades. That it didn’t was perhaps
due to the fact that by having a nap hand of victories here, Ray
Farr had possibly too many highlights to choose from and a programme
that featured no less than 16 snippet items never gave the listener
the chance to appreciate the works that had brought him such success.
The playing was very good, but just when you though the music was
going to develop in came Frank Renton with a sometimes painful bit
of commentary that was a stilted as a stilted man on stilts. Yes,
that stilted. It robbed an original idea of its flow and the entertainment
value became more important than the music itself – a result
that was reflected in the points and a great pity.
The bands that made up the bottom three all performed well, but
on the day were a class below the others on show and cannot complain
with their final positions.
Carlton Main are working hard to get back to the level they were
a few years ago, and in William Rushworth they certainly have a
man not afraid of hard work and with plenty of talent. The band
are improving and the MD had chosen the programme to play to their
current strengths – there was a super bit of cornet playing
from Kirsty Abbotts, but the programme never quite shone. They will
be back though, and the stronger for this outing.
Yorkshire Imperial also failed to shine as we know they can this
year, with a programme that lacked a touch of finesse about it –
although we did like the Austin Powers sketch. Robert Westacott
was a very fine soloist, but there were too many errors from around
the band throughout and the choice of the ubiquitous “Irish
Blessing” and “The Gael” felt dated. They are
certainly a better band than this showing.
Finally, Besses, who repeated last year’s result, but who
played better than their final placing would suggest. This is a
young band with a rosy future but against this company they were
a touch lightweight in sound and technique – both of which
will be bigger and better as they mature. They had a lovely soloist
in Sian Carradus and a neat opening item, but the ending was a weak
spot – Puccini doesn’t lend itself too well to the brass
band. Next year they will certainly come back stronger contenders.
The day had gone smoothly with some superb organisation from Jacqueline
Beer, but the awards ceremony did rather become a solo performance
by Frank Renton that bordered on the embarrassing. He had done a
fine job during the day, but surely there was no need for the Royal
Command Performance that included the unfortunate incident of the
confusion over the winning soloist and the ridiculous attempt of
trying to keep the suspense over the result by not letting us know
the points for Fodens. Come on Frank – it’s a day for
the bands not you.
Still, that was the only quibble on a day when Grimethorpe once
more set the agenda. 11 wins now and on this form who would bet
against them making it a dozen in 2003.
The Bands Programmes:
Band No 1
Foden’s Richardson
Conductor: Russell Gray
National Anthem
March: Wellington - Zehle
Napoli - Bellstedt arr. G Brand
Euphonium solo: Glyn Williams
Reel Music (new music) - Traditional arr. Frode Rydland
Moto Perpetuo - Paganini arr. H. Snell
Rev. Archie Beaton - J. Mason arr. Frode Rydland
Finale from Symphony No.2 Tchaikovsky
The Little Russian arr William Gordon
Band No 2
Leyland
Conductor: Chris Davies
Deep Space Nine - arr. McDermott (new music)
March: Royal Welch Fusiliers - Sousa
Capriccio Brillante - Belstedt
Tenor Horn solo: Donna Lewis
Sing Sing Sing - Louis Prima
Dark Island - arr McDermott (new music)
1492 Conquest of Paradise - Vangellis arr. McDermott (new music)
Band No. 3
Sellers International
Conductor: Philip McCann
Overture to Tarus Bulba - Franz Waxman arr. A. Duncan (new music)
You Raise me Up - Rolf Lovland arr. A. Duncan
Cornet solo: Darren Stott (new music)
Grand Walkaround - Lousi Moreau Gottschalk & Hershy Kay arr.
A. Duncan (new music)
Duet for Two Cats - G Rossini arr. Howard Snell
March: Shield of Liberty - J J Richards
Ole South (a plantation patrol) - Traditional arr S. Bradnum (new
music)
Saoirsinn - A. Duncan (new music)
Band No. 4
Ever Ready
Conductor: Ray Farr
Bergenhus March - Helge Aafloy arr Ray Farr
Best By Farr (comprising the following)
Firebird - Igor Stavinsky
On with the Motley - Leoncavello
Soprano solo: Les Palmer
Troika - Prokofiev
Be My Love - Brodsky/Cahn
Euphoium solo: Paul Robinson
Adagio – Rachmaninoff
Cornet solo: Bryan Tait
Why did I choose you - Leonard
Trombone solo: Chris Bentham
Aranjuez - Rodrigo
Flugel solo: Nicola Willamson
A Grand, Grand Overture - Arnold
Scottish Dance No. 1 - Arnold
Toccata - Bach
Riverdance - Whelan
The Ugly Peanut (new music) – arr. Farr
Cup of Life - Rosa
Band No. 5
Yorkshire Imperial David Urquhart Travel
Conductor: David Evans
Risercata (new music) - Ortiz arr. S. Kerwin
Ciri Ciri Bin - Pestalozza arr A. Morrison
Cornet solo: Robert Westacott
Irish Blessing – Bacak arr. S. Bradnum
Soul Bossa Nova - Jones arr. A. Duncan
March: Yorkshire Imperial - Sam Wood
The Gael - Jones arr A. Duncan
Band No 6
Grimethorpe Colliery UK Coal
Conductor: Garry Cutt
Valero (new music) - Sweatington arr. S. Smith
Evergreen - Striesand arr. Catherall
Tenor Horn solo: Sandy Smith
Freikgeun Polka - Strauss arr. S. Smith
I’ll Walk with God - Brodsky arr. Richards
The New Colonial - R.B. Hall
The Cuckoo - Elgar Howarth arr. S. Smith
Danza Orgiastica (new music) - Respighi arr. S. Smith
Band No. 7
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Conductor: William Rushworth
March: Circus Bee (new music) - Fillmore arr. Gray
Carnival of Venice - Del Steigers arr. F. Muscroft
Cornet solo: Kirsty Abbotts
2nd Movement from Entertainments - Gilbert Vinter
Lassus Trombone - Fillmore arr. Gray
Titanic -James Horner arr. M. Bentham
Band No. 8
Ransome
Conductor: Peter Parkes
Amazonia - Peter Graham
Pop goes the Posthorn - Elgar Howarth
Summon the Heroes -John Williams arr. Joanne Riseley (new music)
Bring him home - C. Schonberg arr. K Wilkinson
Euphonium solo: David Belshaw
March: The Cossack - William Rimmer
America & Somewhere - From West Side Story -L. Bernstein arr.
E Crees
Band No. 9
JAG Mount Charles
Conductor: Bryan Hurdley
Kongolela (new music) - Jan Mange Forde
American Carnival – arr. Stephen Roberts
Brilliante – arr. Peter Graham
Euphonium Solo: Shaun Thomas
Ave Verum -Mozart arr A.M. Jakeway
Coronation Scene from Boris Godunov - Mussorgsky arr. P Littlemore
Band No 10
Kirkintilloch
Conductor: Allan Ramsey
Sparkling Diamonds (new music) - arr. Sandy Smith
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel
arr. Sandy Smith (new music)
March: The Red Shield - Harry Goffin
Apres un Reve - arr. Gordon Langford
Tenor Horn solo: Allan Wardrope
Cossack Fire Dance - Peter Graham
From Call of the Cossacks
Minnie The Moocher (new music) – arr. Rodney Newton
Dance Fever - arr. Kenneth Downie
Scherzo - Shostakovich arr. A Duncan
Band No. 11
Besses o’ th’ Barn
Conductor: Lynda Nicholson
The Boar’s Return (new music) - Mick Dowrick
I hear you calling me -Chas Marshall
Flugel Solo: Sian Carradus
March: Whitefield - W.A. Allison
Do Lord - Andrew Mackereth
Turandot (new music) - Puccini arr. Ian Smith
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