Winner: Metropolis (Black Dyke)

2. The Heaton Collection (Vol 6)
3. The Art of Brass (Cory)

Black Dyke's enthralling release on the high profile Naxos label saw the Queensbury band back to their very best on repertoire that MD Prof Nicholas Childs revels in.

Compelling performances of a brace of Peter Graham's major test-pieces are complimented by sophisticated renditions of his stateside homages to the crepuscular metropolis landscapes of Edward Hooper and Dashiell Hammett — aided by walk on cameo appearances by the likes of Philip Cobb and Peter Moore.

It gained 6 first preference votes from the panel as well as 2 podium votes. A most deserved winner for a release that is racking up accolades.

Satisfying

Like the Solo CD category, it says a great deal about 'Metropolis' that it pushed another exceptional release into second place — and from the same performers too.

'The Heaton Collection — Vol 6' completes Paul Hindmarsh and Black Dyke's superb series of the works of the enigmatic composer in the most satisfying manner possible. Stunning playing compliments the stunning insightful compositions.

It gained 3 first preference votes and 4 podium votes.

Excellence

Cory's recording excellence under Philip Harper's baton saw 'The Art of Brass' gain the final podium spot, with 1 first preference choice and 2 podium votes for a display of bold invention and musical adroitness.

Compelling performances of a brace of Peter Graham's major test-pieces are complimented by sophisticated renditions of his stateside homages to the crepuscular metropolis landscapes of Edward Hooper and Dashiell Hammett4BR

Past Winners:

2017: Dances & Arias — Black Dyke
2016: War Memorials — Cory Band & Tredegar Band
2015: Dark Arteries — Tredegar Band
2014: Gaia Symphony — Eikanger Bjorsvik
2013: When Worlds Collide (The Music of Nigel Clarke) — Brass Band Buizingen
2012: Masquerade — Foden's
2011: Only for You: The Music of Paul Lovatt-Cooper — Black Dyke
2010: Romeo & Juliet — Eikanger Bjorsvik
2009: Maestro — Foden's
2008: New Music for Brass Band — Foden's
2007: Vienna Nights — Black Dyke
2006: Heaton: Volume 4 — Black Dyke
2005: Tales and Stories — Eikanger Bjorsvik
2004: Music of the Spheres — Yorkshire Building Society
2003: Bourgeois in Brass — Yorkshire Building Society
2002: The Heaton Collection — Black Dyke and the ISB
2001: Butterworth — Black Dyke

Panel:

The Awards Panel consisted of : Iwan Fox (Editor 4BR); Malcolm Wood (Chief Contributor); Steven Mead (euphonium soloist); Gordon Simpson (statistician Brass Band World magazine); Chris Thomas (Chief Contributor Brass Band World magazine); Kenny Crookston (CEO, Brass Bands England); Frode Rydland (EBBA Music Commission/soprano cornet Bjorsvik Brass); Alexander Zwann (Chief contributor CU Brass); Tom Davoren (conductor/composer); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist).