National Band of New Zealand and James Morrison

Royal Wanganui Opera House
Tuesday 25 September 2007
Musical Director: Howard Taylor

Photo: Lumsden Photography – Wanganui, New Zealand

The National Band of NZ was in tremendous form with a concert that showed what could be achieved by NZ's best brass band players and an outstanding director of music, Mr Howard Taylor.

The programming was first class and had something for all tastes.

Starting with the brilliant Salvation Army march Jubilee which produced a lovely range of dynamics, and was a great start to the evening.

The sound and control of the band were highlighted in The Pilgrim's Prayer which showed the lovely balanced chorale type sounds that a brass band can do so well.

The major work was Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Peter Graham, a most descriptive work that featured great technical ability from the band.

The highlight for me, however, were the slow movements, the shaping of the music by Howard Taylor. This was brass band playing at the highest level.

All soloists performed impeccably.  There are many individual stars in this band whom I could mention but the beauty of the playing was highlighted by absolute team work from the whole band.

Other highlights were Kiwi Keeper, a piece written by Bill Broughton to show off the technique of every section of the band. It showed that there were no weaknesses in this band.

A new composition by NZ composer Dwayne Bloomfield, Epiphany, had some lovely, balanced sounds from the ensemble and, again, the phrasing was a feature.

Other new arrangements such as Here Comes that Rainy Day and Where Eagles Sing were rich in musical quality. Macarthur Park was also a real feature.

Guest artist James Morrison was sensational.  He is multi-talented and on the night played trumpet, trombone, piccolo trumpet, euphonium and tenor horn.  He is an amazing musician. James has a great rapport with the audience and is such a modest person.

Old favourites such as Autumn Leaves, S'Wonderful, Sweet Georgia Brown, Flinstones, Nobody Does It Better and my special favourite, The Old Rugged Cross were all played with panache and consummate ease.  He has amazing range and at all times is so musical.

What a thrill for people in the National Band to accompany this great artist.  The band and an excellent rhythm section did fine work on the accompaniments.

In my opinion, James Morrison would be the greatest all-round brass player in the world.

Marimba soloist Roanna Cooper showed great ability in Fire showing fine control of the instrument.  However, in A Little Prayer, I found it hard to hear the top melodic line.

Two other outstanding selections were deep harmony and a marvellous performance of Entry of the Gods into Valhalla.  There is something special about a brass band playing Wagner.

This is a fine National Band with an outstanding conductor.  The musicianship that he showed throughout the evening indicated he is one of the finest national band conductors.

If I had a criticism, it would be that the first half was a little too long, and I felt that the style of the compere was a little too flippant and at times go in the way of the band.

What a pity more people did not attend this outstanding concert.

Kevin Jarrett