The Kirkintilloch Band, conducted by Allan Ramsay recently teamed up with folk-rock-electronica band The Green Machine to premiere the first full performance of the newly commissioned work 'Monstre' by Martin Green.

Epic

The concert at the Stirling Tollbooth last weekend saw the epic, 30-minute piece, start with the band playing over digitally-sampled and processed recordings.

Clockwork

That was followed by them accompanying synthesised voices, extended solos for accordion, string bass, euphonium, trombone, guitar, tuba and the aptly-named 'kaos-pad' instrument before ending on a full big-band rock-out which descended into a clockwork wind-down, finally ending with the sound of a deflating balloon!

it is hugely enjoyable and listenable music with 'big tunes' to which the enthusiastic and appreciative audience gave a rousing ovationScott Morris

Weird and outlandish

"All this makes it seem weird and outlandish," said Band Manager Scott Morrice to 4BR. "But, in fact, it is hugely enjoyable and listenable music with 'big tunes' to which the enthusiastic and appreciative audience gave a rousing ovation. 'Monstre' is something which is totally unique and innovative, music unlike anything a brass band has ever done before."

Both bands are hopeful of staging further performances of this exciting and inventive new work in the near future.