Reg Vardy Band
Conductor: John Ward
MCP Recordings:  CDMCPS001
Total Playing Time: Approx 70 mins

Recorded in aid of the Clarence Adoo Trust, this CD was the brainchild of John Ward, and his desire to make a significant contribution to the Trust, whilst also identifying a gap in the recorded canon of worthy Salvationist music.

Succeeded with aplomb

And with the music of New Zealander Dean Goffin, John has succeeded with aplomb, celebrating music that means a great deal Clarence himself as a result of his own strong Salvationist roots.

Goffin’s creative output was relatively slender by many standards, but with the exception of a handful of familiar and unquestionable classics, several lesser known works are featured that not only demonstrate the emotional range of Goffin’s work, but also the craftsmanship and fastidious manner in which he composed.

Impressive economy

Few in the brass band world over the years have been able to demonstrate the impressive economy of means and natural symphonic processes displayed by the composer in this music, the vast majority of which is performed with admirable vigour, sensitivity and understanding by Reg Vardy.   

The choice of ‘My Strength, My Tower’ to open is a fine one; the unmistakeably English influenced majesty of the music conveyed in convincing fashion with the contrapuntal mastery of Goffin’s music never falling prey to sounding like a mere technical exercise.

Written for the Diamond Jubilee of the ISB in 1951, ‘Symphony of Thanksgiving’ is no less impressive in its construction, with the fitting appearance of ‘Praise My Soul the King of Heaven’ given full reign.  

March gems

The marches ‘Tylney Hall’, ‘Crusaders’ and ‘Alderney’ all offer differing takes on the genre, with ‘Crusaders’ being the most musically substantive of the three in taking its cue from the Elgarian model of the grand march.

‘Alderney’ meanwhile is a neglected gem, full of swagger and played with abundant relish.     

Sparkling soloist

Northern Sinfonia principal trumpet and former Salvationist Richard Martin is a sparkling soloist in ‘Victorious’, demonstrating a bright, and vibrant cornet tone allied with crystal clear articulation in an affectionately crafted tribute to Erik Leidzen.

Yet amidst the musical drama of the more substantial works on offer, it is often the contemplative and most personal side of Goffin’s musical nature that shines through.

Engaging

His meditations and reflections on hymn tunes not only prove emotionally engaging but also elicit some of the most telling and effective playing from the band.

The cumulative climaxes of ‘The Compassionate Christ’ that ultimately yield to peace and gentle resolution are drawn from the hymn ‘Stephanos’.

The music once again demonstrates the composer’s mastery of his material, whilst ‘Neapolis’ turns to Haydn as its classical model.

Atmospheric

Kenneth Downie’s arrangement of ‘Shepherd’s Carol’ is another delight even though it draws the CD to a hushed and atmospheric close, whilst ‘Wonderful Healer’ makes the most powerful impression of all.

The performers respond to Goffin’s deeply felt treatment of the hymn tune ‘Angelus’ with playing of warmth and pathos.    

Not enough

If there is a performance that doesn’t quite convince it is ‘Rhapsody in Brass’.

With the occasional loss of focus and impetus it loses its way at times although not enough to seriously detract from the aura of quality that pervades the playing.    

The liner notes by Ronald Holz are everything you would expect from an authority on the subject, although it’s frustrating that there are no track timings given.

The simple and effective presentation of the packaging caps off a rewarding CD that is as valuable for the quality of the music on offer as it is for the worthiness of its cause.     

Christopher Thomas

Contents

1. My Strength, My Tower, Dean Goffin, adapted Brian Bowen
2. Tylney Hall, Dean Goffin
3. The Compassionate Christ, Dean Goffin
4. Victorious, Dean Goffin, Richard Martin (Cornet)
5. Neapolis, Dean Goffin
6. Symphony of Thanksgiving, Dean Goffin
7, Crusaders, Dean Goffin
8. Lift Up Your Heart, Dean Goffin
9. Shepherd's Carol, Dean Goffin, arr. Kenneth Downie
10. Alderney, Dean Goffin
11. Rhapsody in Brass, Dean Goffin
12. Wonderful Healer, Dean Goffin