A MELODIOUS journey around the world awaited a full house at Evesham Town Hall last Sunday (March 22), to all who gathered to enjoy a splendid afternoon of music making courtesy of the Avonbank Brass Band.
Clearly invigorated by their recent success in qualifying for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain for a second year running, by achieving a noteworthy third place at the regional earlier this month, the ensemble was on fine form.
Under the steady stewardship of musical director Micah Parsons, who has to be applauded in turning around the band’s fortunes since taking over less than two years ago, the members gave a spirited performance accompanied by some stunning virtuosic solo renditions.
A packed audience at Evesham Town Hall. Picture Lise Evans
The afternoon started with a rousing and energetic opener, Horizons by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, which burst into life with driving rhythms and bold brass writing.
Written by former Black Dyke Band percussionist Paul Lovatt-Cooper, this piece captures the excitement of looking ahead – full of momentum, optimism, and anticipation.
Next came the most surprising feature in the repertoire, Mozart’s The Magic Flute (arr Michael Kenyon). Not perhaps what one expects from a brass band concert, however, from playful humour to noble lyricism, this arrangement transformed operatic brilliance into rich brass textures.
In a concert of many highlights, a huge hurrah needs to be said for the fine soloists. The first of which was Carol Palmer, who played tenor horn, in Skelter by Derek Broadbent.
Fast, agile, and full of excitement, Skelter is a dazzling showcase for the tenor horn, and Carol did not disappoint, showing sparkling articulation and plenty of character.
Flugel horn soloist Simon Bateman was on fine form for The Children of Sanchez by Chuck Mangione (arr Reid Gilje), a passionate and cinematic work blending jazz and Latin influences.
This piece beautifully highlighted the instrument’s warm and lyrical voice.
The back row. Picture Lise Evans
A vibrant musical journey to Spain, filled with rhythmic flair and colour, came next with Night Flight to Madrid by Kermit Leslie (arr Denzil Stephens), before it was off to Ireland and Donegal Bay again by Paul Lovatt-Cooper of Black Dyke fame.
Baritone soloist Alex Macrae brought warmth and expression to this reflective and evocative piece with a beautifully lyrical solo inspired by the Irish coastline.
In contrast, the high-energy dance anthem Everytime We Touch by Cascada (arr Jonathan Bates) and transformed for brass band had everyone’s foot tapping. Catchy and upbeat, it completed the first half on a high.
The second half of the concert opened with a staple of British brass tradition, The President by William German, a bold, dignified march, full of character. The audience was treated to a fine display of precision and classic band style.
Next up was the completely gorgeous Irish Tune from County Derry, famously arranged by the Australian-born composer Percy Grainger (arr Denis Wright), also known as Londonderry Air. This classic tune, widely associated with the lyrics ‘Danny Boy’, was simple, heartfelt, and deeply moving.
Continuing on the folk theme was a marvellous cornet solo by Stephen Lane, who brought the much-loved melody Wild Mountain Thyme by Alan Fernie to life with tender warmth and lyrical phrasing. The last of the four soloists, who all certainly made the grade.
Trombones. Picture Lise Evans
Add to the mix, Heaven by Bryan Adams and a couple of Queen hits – Don’t Stop Me Now and Bohemian Rhapsody, these pop tunes demonstrated that brass band music is versatile and not all stereotypically marching numbers.
In fact, the bright and bubbly, Barbie World, from the blockbuster film soundtrack to Barbie, transcribed for Christopher Bond, aptly demonstrated for any newcomer to brass banding that the genre has expanded past marches and ceremonial music.
Full of fun, the piece sparkled with energy and imagination.
Brass bands have always played an important part in our heritage and culture, and Worcestershire is fortunate to have several, each with its own unique style.
They bring joy to individuals and communities alike through their diverse repertoire and enthusiastic performances.
Avonbank Brass Band has been making music for nearly 80 years, and under the musical direction of Micah, who holds a first-class honours degree in Music from Coventry University, it is on a firm footing to delight audiences for many more decades.
