Manchester's RNCM was the venue for the opening concert of the New York Staff Band's 2015 ‘Boundless’ Tour - and with a clamour for tickets, it was a shame that the 700 seat Concert Hall wasn't available instead of the RNCM Theatre.
Those lucky enough to get seats enjoyed a musical treat, with the American visitors performing an eclectic programme of both Salvationist and mainstream banding repertoire.
Huge smile
Peter Graham's 'Phoenix' from 'War of the Worlds' showed off their balanced, colourful sound before brothers Christopher and Tim Ward excelled in the bucolic 'Gabriel’s Oboe'. Little wonder their father, Gordon, on principal cornet, had a huge smile on his face at its conclusion.
Martin Cordner's new work, 'Americana' gave the band ample opportunity to demonstrate their diverse musical skills - all in the presence of the composer, whilst cornet soloist, Derek Lance, displayed a lovely timbre and command of lyrical technique in the familiar hymn 'When Morning Gilds the Skies'.
Roots
Composer Paul Lovatt-Cooper was brought up in the Salvation Army and he returned to his roots to write 'Power and the Glory'. In what was the UK première, the high octane work featuring various popular songs from the Salvation Army's remarkable back catalogue was delivered with vibrant aplomb and enjoyed by a knowledgeable audience.
To conclude, an arrangement from the band's trombonist, Dorothy Gates - and the rather zany big band meets brass band take of America's most famous march, ‘Stars and Stripes Forever'.
Bold and pulsating
Black Dyke followed in outstanding form.
The opening 'Fire in the Blood' was bold and pulsating - the perfect aperitif for Gary Curtin to once again demonstrate his abilities in 'Herdmaiden's Dance'.
Elgar's 'Nimrod' was delivered with controlled elegance and refined dynamic contrasts - led by Richard Marshall on principal cornet, before the ‘Triple Winners’ concluded their set with Peter Graham's 'Metropolis 1927'.
Enthusiasm
In the presence of the composer, it was once again met with enthusiasm from the audience - many of who may not have noticed the subtle differences to the choreography from the recent contest performance renditions. It is a work that showcases the band at its very best.
After a much needed interval the bands joined forces for a light and enjoyable final segment.
High quality
Ronald Waiksnoris directed the skipping 'Breezin' Down Broadway' before Prof Nicholas Childs conducted an arrangement by Dorothy Gates of the traditional 'Shenandoah'.
Peter Graham was then invited onto the stage to lead the players through his own 'Shine as the Light' before the concert closed with former New York Bandmaster Derek Smith directing Eric Ball's march 'Star Lake'.
It rounded off a high quality evening of music making that deserved to have been appreciated by an audience packed into a hall twice the size.
Malcolm Wood
