KNDS Fairey Band
Conductors: Philip Chalk, James Gourlay
RNCM Concert Hall, Manchester
Saturday 19th October

Brian Taylor's half century of dedicated musical excellence to the KNDS Fairey Band was marked in more ways than one with this memorable concert.

A modest man, he left others to endorse their celebratory acclaim of his achievements. The standing ovation that welcomed him to his seat spoke of respect, admiration and friendship.  

James Gourlay flew in from the USA to assist Phil Chalk in the conducting duties, Vice Presidents, Tony and Margaret Greenham, now in their late eighties, drove from Dorset to present him with a specially engraved decanter, whilst Alan Morrison, sat in the cornet section to play alongside his great friend.

There was seriousness and humour too: The 'This is Your Life' spotlight touched on the highlights (and there were many – 28 major titles alone) of a playing career in the famous blue jacket that spanned the last era of brass band sponsorship of Fairey Engineering to the exciting new future of KNDS Fairey.    

Greatest memories

Appropriate then that some of the greatest memories of all were revived as Philip Chalk heralded the sounds of 'French Military March'  followed by 'Le Carnival Romain'  (in winning the 1979 British Open) to recall his tenure as principal cornet under Prof Walter Hargreaves. 

Appropriate then that some of the greatest memories of all were revived as Philip Chalk heralded the sounds of 'French Military March' followed by 'Le Carnival Romain'

The current incumbent Iain Culross paid his respects with rousing 'Glorious Ventures' (renamed for one night only as 'Glorious Dentures' in honour of Brian’s renowned false teeth) before a reminder of the permanence of class came as he joined him for the sparkling duet, 'Quicksilver' and the cornet showcase 'Hora Staccato'.  

Tomlinson’s tender ‘Little Serenade’  and a fine rendition of 'Blessed Assurance'  by Rebecca Lundberg led into the dramatic overload of 'MacArthur Park'  to close the first half.

Undisguised tribute

Jim Gourlay’s return to direct the second half was marked by a sense of future opportunities, charisma and fingertip conducting artistry – the opening ‘Walking with Heroes’  an undisguised musical tribute from one musician to another.

'Time to Say Goodbye'  and ‘The Lost Chord’  were in reality just temporary musical au-revoir, for there are hopefully to be further successes and performances of note to savour from an outstanding musician and outstanding bandsman for many more years to come.

Not to make Brian too uncomfortable with the personal musical accolades 'Captain America', 'Amazing Grace' , 'When the Saints'  and music from 'Star Wars'  were aimed to showcase the current band’s quality – the Scotsman’s appearance with the tuba with Ben Russon and Sam Pearson on 'Oktubafest!'  pitched perfectly in style and substance.  

'Time to Say Goodbye'  and ‘The Lost Chord’  were in reality just temporary musical au-revoirs, for there are hopefully to be further successes and performances of note to savour from a wonderful musician and outstanding bandsman for many more years to come.

Malcolm Wood