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2014 4BR Awards — Solo CD of the Year

Which solo performer tickled your fancy in 2014 with their latest release?

BarberThe nominations from the 4BR team for consideration are...

Barber
John Barber
Foden’s Band
Conductor: Michael Fowles
Doyen Recordings: DOY CD338
Total Playing Time: 61.54 mins

The versatility of one of the brass band movements finest trombonist is shown to superb effect with this commanding release.

Just as at ease with the repertoire of jazz, pop or classical as he is with the music of the increasingly varied brass band genre. His formidable technique and superb, malleable tonal qualities also come with an added extra. He ain’t half a pretty damn good pianist too.


FlightFlight 
Sebastien Rousseau
Brass Band Buizingen
Featuring: Longbow
Conductor: Luke Vertommen
Buma Stemra Recordings: 201820
Total Playing Time: 79.48 mins

A performer of rare musicality, performing works that showcase a remarkable degree of inventiveness, (including six premiere performances) and a sustained degree of virtuosity.

The centre piece is a remarkable collaboration entitled , ‘The Scarlet Flower’ with the Longbow String Ensemble, that gives such an artistic performer free reign to display the full range of his extensive abilities.


Sempre Libera

Sempre Libera 
David Thornton
Brighouse & Rastrick
Conductor: Prof. David King
Doyen Recordings: DOYCD326
Total Playing Time: 60.25 mins

A wonderful release that showcases a performer of the most tasteful subtlety and refinement - but one that can also play with such startling precision that he could double up as a laser guided arc welder in his spare time.

Each track has that stamp of authentic 24 carat purity running through it - right down to the fantastically bonkers finale that puts a hypnotic buzz bang in the central cortex of your brain.


Richard MarshallThe Cornet Heritage Collection - Volume II 
Richard Marshall
Black Dyke
Conductors: Dr Nicholas & Dr Robert Childs
Doyen Recordings CD325
Total Playing Time: 67.54 mins

A release that may well recall a musical past that is fast fading from the collective consciousness, but in doing so it also reinforces Richard Marshall’s reputation as one of the finest cornet players of this, or any other generation.

However, despite the age of the repertoire, it is not a homage dipped in musical aspic: The eleven tracks are presented with a tender freshness, to give each an engaging immediacy.


ChildsThe Symphonic Euphonium
David Childs
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Conductor: Bramwell Tovey 
Chandos: CHAN10830
Total Playing Time: 78.44 mins

The crowning achievement of euphonium repertoire - given performances of simply regal splendour and authority.

From the elegant nobility of the Horovitz and colorful immediacy of the Wilby, to the austere substance of the Hoddinott and the playful zest and sheer virtuosity of the Jenkins - it is playing as good as any renowned orchestral soloist in the world.



Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

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