Friday 2 May
Stavanger Concert Hall
Commences: 1700hrs
Test piece: Brass Blot, Håkon Berge

Adjudicators:
Nigel Boddice, Scotland
Armin Bachmann, Switzerland
Arvid Anthun, Norway

What do we think so far?

Well, it has been an enjoyable first leg of the contest, but things have panned out fairly clearly for us.

Cory really played out of their skins and deserve to lead into tomorrow. Behind them it’s a bit of a closer run thing with Willebroek a couple of points behind and with Grimethorpe just behind them for us. Fribourg could be the dark horse though and they were impressive. The Austrians of Oberoesterreich and the home town favourites Stavanger should make up the top six with it all to play for in less than 24 hours time.

4BR Top Six

1. Cory
2. Willebroek
3. Grimethorpe
4. Fribourg
5. Oberoesterreich
6. Stavanger

Live comments:

Oberoesterreich Brass Band, Austria, 11
Conductor: Hans Buchegger

Fine start just hurt by tuning issues. Great clarity in ensemble with razor sharp answers to the opening questions. So stylish this and so much time and space evident even at the brisk tempo. Ice cool jazz – just has a few clips here and there. Class solo cornet and this is leads to lovely section of playing. Reprise – again space and time and clarity. Subtle gear change leads to a controlled ending of an impressive reading. Bravo sop!

Overall: The most complete interpretation of the day – oozed style, but was hampered at times by nasty little error count

Cory, Wales, 10
Conductor: Dr. Robert Childs

Superb opening is dynamically spot on and so well executed. All questions answered here. Detail and style is so well portrayed – all dynamically balanced. Euph – spot on. So too groovy jazz – cool! Just loses flow after this with annoying little clips here and there. Back on track! 3rd solo cornet (Phillip Cobb) delivers nicely shaped solo lead in a real suave Gershwinesque section. Triumphant reprise and subtle gear change leads to all powerful close phew!

Overall: A superbly structured performance this with real stylistic changes to compliment the technical detail. The leader for us so far!

Brass Band Lyngby Taarbaek, Denmark, 9
Conductor: Christian Schmiedescamp

Super start just tainted by odd unanswered question. Recovers well with compact ensemble and real drive. Great euph leads to a slightly speedy jazz groove, which then finds just the right tempi. Good effort from solo cornet in face of someone having a coughing fit in audience! Well controlled ensemble too. Reprise – good and bad. Little blips detract and huge gear shift. A bit messy if exciting to end.

Overall: A fluctuating one this. Lots of high class stuff this interspersed with less secure and bland elements. More pluses than minuses though.

Brass Band Buizingen, Belgium, 8
Conductor: Luc Vertommen

Lumpy old start takes time to settle. When it does it has moments of real quality. Great percussion in jazz lead brings out the best of the band. Groovy stuff if a little messy too. Brave solo cornet but this section lacks real style and security. Reprise starts well but the gear shift is too sharp – it lacks precision but does have power through to the drawn out end.

Overall: The quieter moments revealed the weaknesses that will surely cost them against this high class field.

Brass Band De Waldsang, Netherlands, 7
Conductor: Rieks van der Velde

Comfortable start – not quite right on the dynamic mark but secure and precise questions and answers. Lots of decent stuff after this too with neat ensemble and good perc. Well done euph. Loses focus at times and not quite groovy enough. Solid solo cornet leads well into well styled slow section. Does drag at times though. Reprise is well handled. Subtle gear change just needs more pulse. Fine close though.

Overall: Another competent and solid performance that just lacked for a greater degree of drama for us. Lots to admire though.

Brass Band Fribourg, Switzerland, 6
Conductor: Arsene Duc

Solid start – just lacks real dynamic contrast but the main questions are answered. Progresses neatly with real precise ensemble and fine percussion. Neat euph leads to solid jazz – very nearly right in the groove. Nice solo cornet leads to a controlled slow section of security. Repose is again very solid if unspectacular. No real gear shift – it needs it. Well controlled to a powerful end. Bravo sop again.

Overall: A very competent performance this – but just in need of a touch more character and drama. Very nearly a real contender!

Stockholm, Sweden, 5
Conductor: Kent Jonsson

Not always secure to start and question aren’t answered coherently. Sounds rather bland in dynamic approach and not always secure either (perc). Jazz is rather academic in style – lacks coolness and groove. Solid solo cornet gets thumbs up. From MD. It’s all played but it’s colourless. Doesn’t really shift gear in reprise and starts to sound a touch tired. Second wind to finish off though.

Overall: Decent enough show without ever quite hitting the mark for us though. May well struggle to really impress though.

Stavanger, Norway, 4
Conductor: Garry Cutt

Secure start – dynamically safe and precise with all questions answered. Real confidence on display in solo and ensemble. Super groove jazz feel – cool dudes! Sounds so comfortable this in style. Great percussion. Solo cornet not always at ease – a touch nondescript this. Quality but lacks real sheen. Reprise returns with security and style though. Subtle gearshift. Draws to a hugely dramatic end. Bravo sop!

Overall: Another top class show this. Just the slower stuff may cost – but it would be marginal. A good one no doubt but is it good enough?

Brass Band Willebroek, Belgium, 3
Conductor: Frans Violet

Solid and secure. Dynamically safe but so precise. Great sounds and the precision is top notch. Well done euph. Fine ensemble detail and excellent subtle percussion. Expands to real groovy jazz. Razor sharp this. Lovely stuff from solo cornet and luscious feel from ensemble. Very persuasive style and execution. Reprise is powerful and precise. What a superb end. Super sop!

Overall: Right up there this! So well laid out and delivered with style and security. Very high class playing this indeed!

Grimethorpe Colliery, England, 2
Conductor: Allan Withington

Great start — tremendous control and balance. All questions are answered. Fine euph and solid horn ensemble. Jazz hits the groove with precise coolness. So precise and accurate this. Fine balance with excellent percussion too. Solo cornet — what class. Backed by great ensemble too. Great playing this — so seductive. Reprise has such authority, detail — even at pace. Great finish — huge stuff to end.

Overall: Wow! What a show. Fantastic sounds, technique and understanding. That was something.

Kirkintilloch, Scotland, 1
Conductor: Howard Taylor

A little uncertain in places but it has atmosphere and the sense of question and answer. Not always precise at times but good ensemble and lead lines. Neat motifs lead to a fine euph. Jazz feel not quite in the groove? Solo cornet hiccup to start but recovers solidly. Nice spiritual fell. Reprise is up a gear and accurately played. Well done sop! Well worked out to close.

Overall: A solid and well worked account this. Not always precise and a few clips, but overall a good premiere.