Brighouse & Rastrick continued their preparations for their appearance at the Albert Hall courtesy of an enjoyable concert on a warm autumnal evening in Uppermill.

In what was his final concert appearance of the year, David King opted for an engaging programme that had a contemporary musical feel, as opposed to the more traditional fayre that has been on offer as the staple diet from other bands here over the years.

As a result, it made for attentive listening from start to finish – with the MD keeping the audience in a perpetual state of anticipation.

Silas Marner

There may have been a few grumbles from miserly spendthrifts as they surveyed the changes on their printed programme, but by the end of the night not even the local equivalent of Silas Marner could complain that they hadn’t enjoyed their money’s worth of high class entertainment.

It was not just the band that was on top class entertainment form either: David King was relaxed, informative and witty throughout – enjoying himself to the full.

Memories test

With London on the contest horizon, Gregson's, 'Of Distant Memories' received an excellent work out to open proceedings.

The audience was transfixed as they listened to the new composition unfold.  

Conducting minus a baton, the MD balanced his interpretation on the narrow line separating nostalgia and modernism like a tight rope walker.

Not surprisingly, at its conclusion, the MD declared that he was content with how the performance had gone.... and all with a week to go.

The remainder of the first half was made up of music recently performed at the Great Northern Festival of Brass at Bridgewater Hall.

Star turns

Stuart Lingard reprised the delightful 'Song' from Peter Meechan’s 'Milestone', whilst marimba soloist, Le Yu, captivated with the first of two impromptu displays of virtuosity.

Forty eight hours after appearing in Saddleworth, he was due to make his début at Wigmore Hall in London as one half of the Aurora Percussion Duo.  He is certainly an exceptionally talented individual.

Twist

Either side of the solo contributions, Professor King ensured plenty of audience participation in the highly enjoyable, 'Cats Tales':

Peter Graham's music gaining a rapturous reception even before the band had finished the set, whilst as an enjoyable twist, David Thornton took centre stage to close the first half with a wonderfully mature performance of Curnow's 'Symphonic Variants'.

Graham spotlight

The second half was certainly influenced by the music of Peter Graham.

'Purple Flame', written in honour of the band was a bagful of vibrancy and razor-sharp precision, whilst contrast was shown with the mellifluous sound of Lucy Cutt on Rodney Newton's flugel solo 'Dimitri'.

'With Sword and Fire', was a playful piece of interactive geographical musicality, although there was no denying the substance of Phillip Sparke’s 'Elegy' from 'A Tale as Yet Untold', which was enhanced by subtle dynamic control and balance.

Baroque music from the pen of Jean-Philippe Rameau was slickly delivered whilst Le Yu returned to give the band another breather – although it was the audience that had their breath taken away.

Symes Knight

Finally, the patient traditionalists craving a good old march from the Saddleworth Whit Friday champion, got their wish as David King invited former bass player and local raconteur, Gilbert Symes to conduct 'Knight Templar'.

All that was left was 'The Floral Dance' as the traditional encore.

Not even David King can get away with not playing that in these parts, although if he returns here next year after winning a third National title in four years with the West Riding band, it may be worth the risk...

Malcolm Wood