Burbage Band (Buxton)
Conductor: Steve Critchlow
Narrator: Philip Holland
Stoller Hall, Manchester
Saturday 14th September

The story of Burbage Band (Buxton) is as ubiquitous as it is unique.  It is a reflection of almost every brass band organisation in the UK.  

Supported by Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Brass Bands England, ‘Burbage Works 2024’ inventively charts their history from 1861 to date in sixteen cleverly realised chapter combinations of live music and narrated audio-visual storytelling. 

It is however no sepia tinted memoriam - the new works and unearthed gems, memorabilia and historical instruments bringing a pertinent performance vitality celebrating brass banding’s own development over the past 150 years or more.

It is however no sepia tinted memoriam - the new works and unearthed gems, memorabilia and historical instruments bringing a pertinent performance vitality celebrating brass banding’s own development over the past 150 years or more.

That span saw Andrew Kershaw’s wonderful demonstration of the forerunner instruments that developed the sound and virtuosity of Victorian bands, to a poetic ‘Ode to  Band hall’  – an appreciation of the artistic hubs of bands across the globe.  Meanwhile, the stage saw the band sat in traditional contest formation with the eloquent armchair narrator sat in front of a fireplace. 

Excellence

Odd as it at first seemed, it worked splendidly; the excellence of both performers in capturing the wit, pathos, style and genre, drawing the timeline narrative forward.  

The chapters spoke for themselves – a newly written ‘Overture’ leading into the ‘Start of Brass’ and a new arrangement excerpt of the 1861 British Open test-piece ‘Satanella’.   The enjoyable segues into concert and contesting, war time challenges, worldwide developments, the link to Harry Mortimer and the long overdue arrival of female musical emancipation brought the first half to a close.

Fitting

The second completed the story; new musical influences and the development of young players, contesting success and complexities, test-pieces to lockdown, brought the tale to the present day.  The finale was a fitting encompassment of a proud history and an exciting future. 

With excellent PR promotion bringing in a healthy sized audience, and with the event professionally recorded for potential promotion to festivals, this excellent project could well tell its story for many more years to come.

2024 also marks the 40th anniversary of MD Steve Critchlow being involved with the organisation, as well as and 30th of taking up the baton. With a training band in place, an abundance of musical talent in the ranks (special mention to Sam Pollard for producing over a dozen cracking new compositions and arrangements) there are sure to be further celebrations to enjoy.

With excellent PR promotion bringing in a healthy sized audience, and with the event professionally recorded for potential promotion to festivals, this excellent project could well tell its story for many more years to come.

Malcolm Wood