Nothing lasts forever - not even James Shepherd Versatile Brass - as the iconic brass ensemble made their farewell appearance by doing what they've always done for the past 43 years - entertaining an audience in fine musical style.

They did so in the heartland of brass banding country in Saddleworth - where over the years they have returned time and again to showcase their talents and repertoire as well as cherry-pick the high class personnel who have made the group what it is.

Packed

There was little surprise that the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph was packed to capacity, with those lucky enough to get a ticket treated to repertoire that celebrated the ensemble’s renowned ethos of innovative musicianship.  There wasn’t a single piece of ‘seasonal filler’ either. 

In the presence of former players, family, friends, brass enthusiasts and the very man who founded the group in 1972, the current line-up bowed out by delivering a night to remember. Of course it was a nostalgic trip down memory lane - helped by an irrepressible Gilbert Symes who also seemed to be stuck in 1970s mode at times.

Spanned the years

The music though spanned the years; from the familiar 'Strike Up the Band' to the iconic Sinatra hit 'My Way' (although it should be subtitled 'Their Way') and a few tasty contemporary items such as 'Positively Pittsburg' by Darrol Barry. 

The polish of the ensemble playing had a deep sheen of excellence, whilst the standard of solo playing was exemplary.  Rob Westacott set the standard with the Irish ballad 'Kathleen Mavourneen' whilst Helen Varley delivered a superb 'Finale’ from Haydn's 'Cello Concerto'.

Current and former

The performance of a current member of Black Dyke was matched by that of a former one in David Pogson, who delighted the audience with his rendition of 'Dimitri', whilst trombone duo Kevin Holgate and Trevor Slade enjoyed themselves in 'When I Fall in Love' and 'Makin' Whoopee' respectively.

Kevin and Trevor were also joined by Nigel Lawless in 'There's Nothing Like a Dame' from ‘South Pacific’, where the only thing missing was the famous acrobatics from the Morecambe and Wise Christmas show, whilst special guest, World Champion whistler, Dave Morris delivered a couple of numbers including 'Have Yourselves a Merry Little Christmas'.

Great things

It could have gone on all night - and who would have complained - but all great things come to end - although not before a wonderful presentation was made to James Shepherd from the group and there was just enough air left in the tanks for a last fizz through 'Birdland'.

Sentiment

Former member Gordon Higginbottom, who was present on the night, brought the curtain down on his playing career in 1991 with a concert entitled 'Thanks for the Memory'. It was a sentiment that everyone present wished to give James Shepherd and his group after four decades and more of quite wonderful musicianship.

Malcolm Wood