This was an evening with Foden’s, and especially their MD Bramwell Tovey, in their element. Thoughts returned to their memorable 2015 RNCM Festival performance in Manchester as they produced a concert of the very highest quality at the famous ‘Rink’ - all with the National Championship less than 24 hours away on the horizon. 

Bristling with energy

Tovey, bristling with energy inspired his band; his musical fingerprints literally and metaphorically all over the music from start to finish. It was a masterclass in the art of musicianship. Conducting almost seemed a rude word to describe it. Not even a malfunctioning microphone could inhibit the sense of occasion.

Palm of hand

A rousing opener, 'The Cossack' soon had the audience in the palm of his hand, whilst a lithe, taut 'Candide' overture kept the pace bubbling with spirit and verve.  Richard Poole, Mark Landon and John Barber were marvellously relaxed as they enjoyed themselves on 'Blessed Assurance', 'Helter Skelter' and 'Someone like You' - all delivered with touch of exemplary polished aplomb.

With the greatest respect however, Tovey then stole the show - and an impromptu spotlight on the piano that left the audience spellbound.  A languid 'Summertime', with superb trombone accompaniment by John Barber was followed by 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square'. It was a ten minute breather for the band that nobody would have complained if it had lasted an hour or more.

Bolt

A lightning bolt 'Folk Festival', led into the MDs own arrangement of 'Crimond' in the manner of Wilfred Heaton, before the first half concluded with the Iberian wedding flair of 'La Boda de Luis Alonso'.

The second half was packed with just as much musical craftsmanship.  The Tovey fanfare 'Deo Gloria' was precise and detailed before David Thornton stepped forward to perform with subtle nuance, 'Some Glad Sweet Day' - a touching showpiece that was originally left unfinished on the death of the MD's father. 

Golden moment

If that was good, a golden moment came with Heaton's tone poem, 'Just As I Am' - a gem of control, balance and texture. It was worth the entrance money alone.

Eric Ball's 'Kingdom Triumphant' brought the concert to a formal close, but the audience was handed a tasty dessert in Heaton’s quirky ‘Praise’ and a triptych of cultured pianissimo ensemble blending with 'The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended'. 

Everyone left musically uplifted. 

Malcolm Wood