Jimmy Leggat Testimonial Concert
KNDS Fairey & Whitburn Bands
Conductors: Philip Chalk, Chris Shanks, Cpt Andrew W Porter
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 31st January

An outstanding banding career that has spanned seven decades of cross border connections and friendships was celebrated at the RNCM, as KNDS Fairey and Whitburn joined a packed audience to honour Jimmy Leggat.

56 years as a player, 43 of which have been enjoyed in the famous blue jackets of the  Stockport ensemble has seen the Scotsman become an immensely popular figure – a personal trophy cabinet full of major title honours also testament to his qualities as an elite level performer. 

His dedication to Fairey will continue as librarian, mentor and (he later admitted) very occasional concert player.   

Welcome guests

At his invitation, the band where he started his playing was the most welcome of guests – the Scottish champion Whitburn making it a weekend trip south by adding a Sunday afternoon appearance in Dobcross.

Much of the music understandably had personal links and associations, with the bands under Chris Shanks and Phil Chalk each providing quality contributions before joining forces under Cpt Andrew W Porter for a massed finale.

Much of the music understandably had personal links and associations, with the bands under Chris Shanks and Phil Chalk each providing quality contributions before joining forces under Cpt Andrew W Porter for a massed finale.

The relaxed atmosphere (Mark Peacock interviewed the Scot, who then forgot to have his cornet with him to take his seat on stage to play!) was added to be reminiscence and humour, whilst the playing was also a reminder of the passing of musical time.  

Stylish and stirring

Whitburn led with 'Soaring the Heights',  before providing a stylish account of Vinter’s rarely heard, 'Vizcaya',  alongside 'Only in Sleep'  and 'Power and the Glory'.  The fine solo contributions came from flugel, Caroline Farren in 'South Loop'  and 'Alone With My Thoughts'  from baritone Charlie Boax.

KNDS Fairey opened with the stirring circus march, 'Midwest'  and 'Flight to Neverland',  before they too turned back the clock with Dean Goffin’s 'Rhapsody in Brass'.   Trombone soloist Rebecca Lundberg delivered a languid 'As If We Never Said Goodbye'  with xylophonist, Beth Cordall whipping through 'Highland Fling'.

 the swagger march, 'Fame and Glory'  – associated with those who have given great service, rounded things off in appropriate manner.

Great service

Curnow's 'Fanfare & Flourishes'  opened the massed bands contribution alongside a quick-fire 'Lezghinka',  before the euphoniums and baritones united for Mozart's 'Ave Verum'  and the massed cornet ranks delivered a controlled 'Air from Suite No.3 in D'.  The fun came with 'Frolic for Trombones'.

The ‘Finale’  from Saint-Saens famous 'Symphony No.3'  with Ben Attfield at the organ tested the roof structure of the RNCM Concert Hall, before the swagger march, 'Fame and Glory'  – associated with those who have given great service, rounded things off in appropriate manner.

Malcolm Wood