The visit of the International Staff Band to Croydon followed the now customary format of largely new music, with lighter items in the second half for which they changed into polo shorts and adopted a big band style formation.

Two items came from the pen of Kevin Norbury; 'The Proclaimers' a brisk march featuring Meredith Willson's tribute to The Salvation Army, 'Banner and Bonnets', whilst 'Truth Aflame' employed the melodies 'Send the Fire' and 'Tucker' - both associated with the words, 'Thou Christ of Burning, Cleansing Flame'.

Compelled

Carl Nielsen presented 'Compelled', specially written for him by Paul Sharman; a treatment of Andrew Blyth's song 'Compelled by Love', framed by up-tempo passages which will no doubt become a valued addition to the repertoire. 

Derick Kane shone in 'Scottish Folk Variants', revelling in the technical challenges whilst making the most the lyrical sections.

'Mid all the Traffic' and 'Jesus, Good Above All Other' brought moments of reflection, before the first half closed with 'Variations on Was Lebet'. Andrew Wainwright has taken the tune associated with 'O Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness', with five variations including a Satie-esque waltz and a fugue, the tune only appearing in its entirety towards the end.

Cinematic

Kevin Larsson's cinematic treatment of 'Glory, Hallelujah!' incorporated elements of a movie epic, Keystone Cops chase and the circus, whilst '007 Light' cleverly combined themes from James Bond with 'This Little Light of Mine'. 

'What a Wonderful Day' introduced a big-band element and 'The Kingdom is Theirs' took the melody 'You Don't Have to be Clever' through a variety of styles, including a catchy waltz interlude. Solo items were presented by Richard Woodrow ('Living Waters') and the vocal octet ('God's Still the One'), with humour and slick choreography.

Kevin Larsson's cinematic treatment of 'Glory, Hallelujah!' incorporated elements of a movie epic, Keystone Cops chase and the circus, whilst '007 Light' cleverly combined themes from James Bond with 'This Little Light of Mine'. 

Top form

Andrew Blyth's 'Still...', drawing on the song 'Hide Me Now' and the tune 'Repton', led neatly into the scripture message by Major Noel Wright. The final programmed item was 'To Boldly Go', written to mark the 125th anniversary of the Melbourne Staff Band.

Band and soloists were on top form, although some would have liked to hear some older music added to the mix. Equally, perhaps the pieces could be rotated to allow Saturday audiences to hear items usually reserved for Sunday afternoons.

'Praise', taken at a very steady tempo, was a popular encore choice.

Peter Bale