Championship Milnrow Band impress at Dobcross Band Club

In the first brass band concert of the Dobcross Club 2014 season, Milnrow Band set a high standard for the bands booked to follow at this well known centre of brass banding.

A Dobcross Club representative said: “As always Milnrow Band have provided an excellent evening of music.”

Led by Joanne Johnson on principal cornet, the band performed an “excellent and varied” selection of items from their new concert repertoire.

Under Associate Conductor Kevin Gibb the championship section band’s opening item was 'Prelude to Tallis' by Peter Graham. The not often performed 'Ruy Blas' followed.

The first soloist of the evening was Joanne Johnson (Principal Cornet) who gave a controlled rendition of 'Oh My Beloved Father'.

'Sparkling Diamonds', a song which was performed by Nicole Kidman in the 2001 film Moulin Rouge was next on the agenda.

'Seal Lullaby', with a soothing and hymnal quality and originally scheduled as a score for a Disney feature (but eventually not used), preceded the next solo.

Mike Morris on the Solo Horn featured on 'Cappricio Brilliante' and thrilled the audience with his lovely tone, nimble fingers and excellent technical ability throughout the difficult piece.

The first half of the programme concluded with 'McCarthur Park'. This brass band version would seem to be more akin to other versions by such big band favorites such as Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton, and Woody Herman.

After the required sustenance break, the band opened with 'Jubilee Overture' by Phillip Sparke. Composed in 1984 for the GUS band it was first performed at the bands’ 50th anniversary.

'Live and Let Die' featured the exquisite playing of Kenny Pain on Soprano Cornet. Ken Watts, Band President, said: “It was a delight to listen to the bell like notes seemingly easily produced by Kenny and his instrument and hear them soaring effortlessly above the well controlled ensemble accompaniment.”

John Clough and Gordon Clarke (Eb basses) then joined forces to play 'The Bare Necessities (of life)' from the Disney film Jungle Book.Principal Euphonium player James Emberley completed the solo offerings with a lilting version of 'The Well' from 'On Alderley Edge' by Peter Graham.

Also included in this programme was 'Lady Stewart's Air' by Peter Graham and 'Putting on the Ritz' by Irving Berlin.

The show ended with a helping of USA big band style music prominently featuring the percussion section of James Connell, Richard Charles and kit man James Kershaw.

After an ovation befitting such a well received concert, the band took a curtain call with 'Gladiators Farewell' by Blankenburg.

A spokesman for the band said: “Milnrow Band thanks everyone for their support and looks forward to continuing success throughout 2014.”