There is plenty of great brass band music to come your way thanks to Dr Fox in the USA!
All Brass Radio has a very unique system that allows listeners to vote on tracks. Like lots of 'top' lists it can remain the same as some tracks are just liked more than others — but is also moves and changes. In the case of All Brass Radio, nearly 50 tracks drop off each month and replaced are to keep a strong and fresh playlist.
From 800 to 581
June was a bit different as over 800 brass band tracks were on the system — and with thousands of listeners from across the world, many were in danger of not being heard.
So with some help, we have cut the list to a more manageable 581 — but still the biggest selection anywhere in the world.
It may mean some personal favourites have gone, but it also means there is a much more focused play list for listeners to pick from.
There are still a number of 'duplicates' — but tracks like 'Dundonnell' even played by different bands remain so popular a and a great way to compare the approaches of the MDs.
Vibrant
As always I try to keep the playlist alive and vibrant with the very latest CDs from both Championship level bands and lower divisions bands balanced to give the widest possible choice.
Also it's important not to lose sight of history. Many tracks recorded from 1990s forward and as far back as the 1950s are in the playlist, so listeners seem to like the balance of old and new.
All Brass Radio is a 24/7/365 internet radio station carried by such streaming companies as TuneIn Radio, Grace Radio, iTunes Radio, and Radio.de. It is free and supported by donors and is completely and totally commercial free stream of the Brass Band music.
So with some help, we have cut the list to a more manageable 581 — but still the biggest selection anywhere in the worldDr Jim Fox
June 2017:
1. Seize The Day (Pikes Peak Brass)
2. The Day of the Lord (International Staff Band)
3. Mars, The Bringer of War (Black Dyke Mills)
4. Gettysburg (Reunion And Finale) (Oberaargauer Brass)
5. Concerto de Arnajuez (Soloist: Alice Bailey, flugel) (Hitchin)
6. MacArthur Park (Grimethorpe Colliery)
7. Dundonnell from Hymn of the Highlands (Foden's)
8. Highland Cathedral (Black Dyke)
9. 1812 Overture (All Star Girls of Brass)
10. Linus & Lucy (Spiritual to the 'Bone)
11. Dundonnell (YBS)
12. Because (Soloist: Sarah Gibbons, horn) (Hitchin)
13. Hymn to the Fallen (Saving Private Ryan) (Kirkintilloch)
14. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (Soloist: Mike Thorn, trombone) (Hitchin)
15. The Floral Dance (Brighouse & Rastrick)
16. A Gaelic Blessing (Enfield Citadel)
17. Joyous Song (Chicago Staff Band)
18. Wild West! (Best of Ennio Morricone) (Black Dyke Mills)
19. Soli Deo Gloria (International Staff Band)
20. You Raise Me Up (Soloist: Kirsty Abbotts, cornet) (Carlton Main Frickley Colliery)
Seize the Day
Some comments about this month's Top 20 list. Again, 'Seize the Day' by the outstanding US band, Pikes Peak Brass tops the list.
A big surprise though is the International Staff Band with 'The Day of Lord' in second place. If you haven't heard this track you might be a bit surprised, as it's very powerful played quite brilliantly.
Great new entry
This month, a lot of serious music made it into the Top 20. 'Mars, The Bringer of War' from an older recording by Black Dyke, '1812 Overture', and 'Reunion and Finale' from 'Gettysburg' are very near the top. However, there was still room for old favorites like 'A Nightingale in Berkeley Square', 'The Floral Dance', and 'A Gaelic Blessing'.
Meanwhile, Kirsty Abbotts and her wonderful playing with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery made the Top 20 for the first time.
