The newly crowned Welsh Area champion Cory cruised through to win the first semi-final of the 2018 Band Cymru competition, broadcast on the S4C television channel on Sunday evening.

Although pre-recorded before their Swansea triumph, the outcome had been held a closely guarded secret by the producers, with three further semi-finals to come before the live broadcast final in Swansea on April 22nd.

Knock out

And whilst the competition rules mean that victory against Northop Band and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Big Band does not yet guarantee their appearance there (the four best ensembles regardless who wins each semi-final are chosen), the description of Cory's performance by the adjudicators that it was "so disciplined"and "absolutely knock-out"should see them through to battle for a first prize worth a potential £10,000.

These were the renowned American trumpet player Michael Mossman, Welsh opera conductor Wyn Davies and acclaimed jazz trombonist Gordon Campbell, who heard Cory open with a choreographed rendition of 'Valero', followed by a suave rendition of 'Londonderry Air' by trombonist Chris Thomas. Contrast came with 'Gota', before they rounded things off with 'Balkan Dance' by Etienne Crausaz.

Majestic sound

In their recorded remarks Wyn Davies said the band produced "a majestic sound"in 'Gota' whilst he singled out Chris Thomas in his solo as being, "a great trombone player".

However he did point out areas that he felt the band could improve on in balance and precision, although in his summing up he described the players as "masters of their instruments"and that the live stage playing had been "almost to a recordable standard."

Michael Mossman said that the band's "musical statement were very clear", whilst Gordon Campbell added that, they were "...a wonderful band".

Booty shake

And with the judges obviously impressed the opinion was also sought of presenter and musician Branwen Gwyn, who acted as the informal 'expert' for the audience at home.

She described what she had heard as being "a carnival of sound", although she did manage to perhaps raise an eyebrow or two around the nation by pointing out that she also rather transfixed by Philip Harper "shaking his bum!"- an observation met with the somewhat knowing reply from the MD when interviewed before the result of, "I don't what she's talking about!"

Regardless of the booty shaking exploits though, the Cory MD was delighted with the result saying that he was "over the moon".

the description of Cory's performance by the adjudicators that it was "so disciplined" and "absolutely knock-out" should see them through to battle for a first prize worth a potential £10,000.

Much to enjoy

Although the decision of the judges was in little doubt, there was also much to enjoy from both Northop and the RWCMD Big Band.

Recently appointed MD John Doyle led the north Wales challenge with an up tempo set that included 'Blue' by Thomas Gansch, led by him on trumpet, followed by the euphonium solo 'Variations on Men of Harlech' featuring Aled Williams on euphonium (who was competing against his brother Glyn with Cory), an updated take on the hymn tune 'Blaenwern' and the rousing finale from 'Visions of Kolkhis' by Tom Davoren.

Meanwhile the jazz students of the RWCMD featured a set made up of classics from Duke Ellington and Count Basie under MD Teddy Smith, that included 'Caravan', 'Isfahan', 'The Mooche' and 'Blues in Frankie's Flat'.

Watch again

You can watch repeat of the semi-final at:

http://beta.s4c.cymru/clic/e_level2.shtml?programme_id=797934957