Twelve months is a long time in banding - although in the case of Grimethorpe - they do tend to pack more in a week than just about any other rival can do in a year. 

You were reminded of that here, as Dr Robert Childs led an enjoyable eve of National concert - almost a year to the day that he was parachuted into the Yorkshire hot seat after the conducting demise of Luc Vertommen.

Encouraging fruit

It's a partnership that has since gone on to bear encouraging fruit – thanks to a reality check of recognition from the band that even his particular brand of musical husbandry takes time to fully flower into major championship winning success.

It was a neat touch of dry humour then that saw the MD admit that he had perhaps surprised even himself that he had lasted a lot longer than many a Grimethorpe predecessor.  

Some time to come

However, given the quality of the playing on show, and the reaction of the audience on the night, you suspect he is going to be at the helm for quite some time to come.

With the contest the following day, an eclectic programme contained a number of the tracks featured on their brand new easy listening CD, 'By Request Volume II'.

The traditional concert format of march, overture and solo, courtesy of a witty rendition of Heaton's 'Praise', a stylish reading of Rossini's 'Barber of Seville' and a top draw 'Jubilance', by principal cornet, Iain Culross set the tone for the night. 

Nostalgia

A touch of nostalgia from 'Brassed Off' with 'Danny Boy' was delivered with a lovely sense of poise whilst 'Molly on the Shore' featured some excellent baritone playing from Michael Cavanagh.

The audience got to hear more from the talented performer as his warm sound filled the hall with 'Myfwany' - not just the middle name of the conductor's mother, but dedicated to her as she listened to her son's band during the evening.

To close the first half, music from 'West Side Story' in the form of 'America' and 'Somewhere'  - full of razor sharp precision and execution.

Cracking stuff

The second half was cracking stuff - with the audience loving every second of vintage Grimey, courtesy of W Hogarth Lear's, ‘Pel Mel’ that helped them be crowned 1972 Granada Band of the Year.

Michael Dodd breezed through 'Napoli', with a touch of classy aplomb before the band paid a 70th birthday tribute to composer Karl Jenkins, with three movements from his 'Stabat Matar Suite' delivered with a polished sheen. 

Lovely contrast was also shown when Dr Childs changed the mood and dynamic with Jenkins' beautifully atmospheric, 'Abide with Me', whilst principal trombone, Chris Gommersal got the deserved thumbs up from his former Royal Academy of Music teacher Dudley Bright, after an outstanding rendition of 'Bolivar', before the formalities closed with Dan Price's effective, 'An American Tale'.

Fitting choice

'Death or Glory' - a fitting choice of encore march given the contest the following day, was also a gentle reminder of what makes Grimethorpe such a unique band.

Many a conductor who has walked though their doors over the years has experienced one or the other on the contest stage.

Malcolm Wood