It is said that if you want a job done you should ask a busy man. That certainly applied to Tom Hutchinson, as he fitted a trip to Croydon in between recording sessions with Cory, arriving in time for a brief rehearsal with the band. 

Despite their limited time together, there was clearly a good rapport between soloist and band, even in those passages where tasteful rubato was applied.

Praise and exaltation

The band introduced itself with 'Flashpoint', complete with a voice-over by Commanding Officer Major Mike Lloyd-Jones, before the reflective 'Prelude on Lavenham'. Following the prayer and introductions they continued with Paul Sharman's 'Exultate Deo', a paean of praise using several tunes including 'Gerontius' and 'Praise Him'.

Solos in contrast

Tom's first item was 'The Southern Cross'; and it was good to hear this old Herbert Clarke solo, with its capricious nature and delicate variations. Following a spectacular opening cadenza his clear tone and impressive technique was backed by a sensitive accompaniment.

 After Sam Creamer's 'For the World' - something of a travelogue written for the Boundless Congress, Tom showed his credentials in lighter repertoire with 'Tico, Tico', finishing with a ringing climax.

Leslie Condon's march 'Celebration' recently came top in a vote organised by the New York Staff Band, and with the Major's connections with Croydon, made for a fitting start to the second half, before Tom joined the band for a sensitive rendition of 'Don't Doubt Him Now'. 

Welcome revival

The first half ended with Dudley Bright's 'Confrontations', still sounding contemporary in its treatment of 'I'm in his Hands' despite dating back some 35 years; the elements of conflict and uncertainty contrasting with the final, confident assertion of faith.

Leslie Condon's march 'Celebration' recently came top in a vote organised by the New York Staff Band, and with the Major's connections with Croydon, made for a fitting start to the second half, before Tom joined the band for a sensitive rendition of 'Don't Doubt Him Now'. 

Martin Cordner's rhythmic 'On High' preceded Tom's final item; a rip-roaring account of 'Carnival of Venice' (arr Harry James). He was then joined by three Croydon bandsmen, Ryan Coates (Black Dyke), Carl Nielsen (ISB) and Tom Nielsen (NYBBGB) in Richard Holz's quartet 'Heralds of Victory'.

'Now I belong to Jesus' led into a finale of Peter Graham's 'Ad Optimum', inspired by a visit to Star Lake when Bandmaster James Williams was the guest. It made for a suitably uplifting end to a fine evening's music-making.

Peter Bale