Household Troops Band Reviews |
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Concert - Regent Hall, London (November 2011)
The Household Troops Band presented a concert at Regent Hall on the eve of their participation in the Lord Mayor’s Show.
The audience numbers may have been a little disappointing, but those who were present enjoyed a well-planned programme and some excellent playing.
Opening Ceremony
Wearing their distinctive white pith helmets, the cornets and trombones marched into the hall behind the flag before taking their places for Richard Phillips’ ‘Opening Ceremony’.
This recent composition exploited well the contrast between their bright tone and the mellowness of the rest of the ensemble.
From the earth to the galaxies
Andrew Blyth’s setting of ‘This is My Father’s World’ was marked by a smooth cornet line, with long, sustained phrases. The band continued with ‘Enter the Galaxies’.
Neil Blessett stepped forward to present the horn solo, followed later by the back row cornets, and the band coped well with the somewhat unforgiving Regent Hall acoustic.
Sparkling solo
‘Jubilance’ by William Himes is an exuberant solo that depicts joy in worship, and Daniel Robson gave a sparkling performance.
Carl Saunders recently took over the baton from Major John Mott, and to mark the latter’s retirement Paul Sharman wrote the march ‘Troops Salute’ in an attractive mix of old and new styles.
Appearing as guest vocalist with the band was Faryl Smith, who charmed the audience with her singing, although the amplification did not seem to show her voice at its best.
Robert Clark accompanied her at the piano in Gounod’s ‘Ave Maria’, a refreshingly un-fussy setting of ‘Danny Boy’ and Puccini’s ‘O mia Babbino Caro'.
Contrasting styles
Peter Graham’s ‘Swedish Folk Song’ showed off the flugel and horns to good effect, with a massive climax before the final verse.
The band then ended the first half with the same composers’ ‘Sirocco’, displaying the spirit of Italy in a lively ‘Tarantella’, the Romance of Spain, featuring Peter Elliott on flugel and Andrew Miller on tuba, and the vibrant Greek dance, with the ghost of ‘Zorba’ ever present!
Goff Richards remembered
The band returned in shirt-sleeve order for the second half, drawing the audience back with a lively rendition of Peter Graham’s ‘Ask!’, helped in no small measure by Luke Williams’ punchy bass trombone.
Goff Richards’ ‘Breezing Down Broadway’ followed, making much of the contrast between the various sections of the band, with some particularly good work from the percussion section and the trombones.
Gifted soloist and composer
Keith Loxley made light of the demands of Peter Graham’s ‘Glorious Ventures’, showing considerable dexterity as he negotiated the fast-flowing semiquaver passages.
David Edmonds plays cornet in the band, and he contributed ‘Rejoice!’ setting the hymn tune ‘Gopsal’, it opened in an expansive, majestic style, before moving into a rock treatment, building up section by section.
Remembering the fallen
Faryl Smith used CD backing for her second set, which began with a modern interpretation of Dvorak’s ‘Hymn to the Moon’.
This was followed by a moving and thoughtful interpretation of ‘Somewhere’ before she ended with ‘The Prayer’, which she had sung at last year’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
Lt Col David Phillips’ thoughts on the subject of Remembrance led into ‘Nimrod’, the band producing a rich, organ-like sound.
Uplifting finale
The final programmed item was James Curnow’s ‘Psalm of Praise’, a most convincing performance with an incisive opening and smooth playing in both the cornet and euphonium solos.
For an encore, Major Mott led the band in the march ‘Rousseau’.
Peter Bale |
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Concert - Northern Arts Brass Festival, Manchester (September 2010)
The Household Troops Band of the Salvation Army has been regular attendees at the Great Northern Festival during the past thirteen years and has provided some memorable performances in that time too.
However, on this occasion the band was by no means at it's best as they produced a very uneven, and scrappy performance that left the audience rather underwhelmed at its conclusion.
Running theme
The running theme of the day was the musical tribute to Professor Edward Gregson. In the presence of the composer, the band under the leadership of Carl Saunders took time to settle as they performed 'Prelude for an Occasion', which was originally written for Black Dyke Mills in 1968.
Following, Heaton's march, 'Able’, cornet soloist David Robson stepped forward to perform Eric Leidzen's 'A Happy Day', although it wasn't the happiest of days for him when taking centre stage.
Heaton's 'Just as I am' is one of the gems of the Salvation Army repertoire, and which came to wider prominence courtesy of the highly acclaimed 'Essays in Brass' recording by the Yorkshire Building Society Band under David King.
Responded
The band certainly responded to the direction of Carl Saunders who coerced an engaging interpretation of the meditative piece.
Himes' 'Endless Praise' is music based around three songs, the most familiar being 'Blessed Assurance' which showcased the trombones in laid-back style, and was played with understanding, although in contrast, the distinctive sounds of Elgar's 'Nimrod' were insecure.
Dudley Bright's vibrant overture, 'Excelsior' was upbeat and colourful and featured some lovely flugel playing, whilst to close, the band opted for contrasting works.
Firstly, Kevin Norbury's fine 'Truth Aflame' which starts quietly with cornets and glockenspiel but ends after a extended build in a blaze of glory.
Top form
Finally, Peter Graham's 'Victory' from ‘Cry of the Celts’ saw the ensemble relaxed and finally hitting top form – a shame that it took so long on what was one of Major Mott's final appearances before he retires.
The band returned later in the day to entertain the crowds on the piazza in front of Bridgewater Hall where they certainly relaxed and enjoyed themselves in what seemed a much more ideal performance setting. Malcolm Wood |
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Visit - Whitchurch (July 2010)
At 1:30pm on Saturday, 17 July 2010, The Household Troops Band of the Salvation Army visited Whitchurch again.
The band marched from the Gill Nethercott Centre, up Winchester Street, to the forecourt of the Town Hall, where the Mayor, Councillor John Clark, officially welcomed them.
The mayor’s speech was followed by a presentation of a picture showing the riots in Whitchurch during the late 1800′s. It is a copy of a picture that hangs in the Town Council chambers. Then, to the delight of the several hundred residents and visitors that had gathered, they played several songs. Following this, the band marched back into The Square and led the Whitchurch Festival carnival procession down Winchester Street.
The band peeled off near Micheldever in order to make their way to Andover (not marching!), where they were scheduled to give a concert at 3pm.
The procession continued on to the grounds of the primary school for the annual carnival. News and pictures from the procession and carnival are on the official Whitchurch Town Website here. The members of the band came individually from all over the United Kingdom. The council put on a light lunch for them at Testbourne before the march.
The Town Council are very grateful to the Sports And Social Club who gave permission for the band members to use their car park, so they could maximize their time in Whitchurch, before heading to their next event.
Below is the speech given by the Mayor, Councillor John Clark:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to welcome Captain Eardley, Major John Mott, and the Household Troops Band of The Salvation Army to this town of Whitchurch where, 120 years ago this year, a very significant part of Salvation Army history was made i.e. the right of citizens to demonstrate and go in procession was established.
The Salvation Army was formed by William Booth in 1878. In 1889, a band of the Salvation Army were playing in The Square here in Whitchurch, and a number of citizens had gathered in support. This was said to be an unlawful assembly and obstruction. The police arrested 80, who were fined by the local Magistrates. They refused to pay and were sent to prison, being marched to Winchester.
Because of the imprisonment, feelings ran very high in Whitchurch against the Magistrates and the police. This resulted in a Demonstration by 2000 people in the Square, commonly known as the Whitchurch Riots, and were addressed by Herbert Booth, son of William, and a London solicitor.
This demonstration, which lampooned the Justices of the Peace, angered the Magistrates and the police. Both Mr. Booth and the solicitor were arrested for riot, rout, unlawful assembly and nuisance, and indicted before a Grand Jury in Winchester. Fearing that they would not receive a Fair trial, the defendants applied for the case to be tried in London.
The trial was held before Lord Coleridge, the Lord Chief Justice and a Special jury on the 1st July 1890 , and in his summing up following testimony from many witnesses, told the jury that ” unless they had been satisfied that there had been a real and substantial nuisance, they must acquit the defendants.”
The jury took 2 minutes, without leaving the Courtroom, to return a verdict of Not Guilty. This was a famous victory for the Salvation Army, to continue in its passion to help others, which is now known throughout the world.
I would like to thank Major John Mott and his band for coming here today, and it gives me great pleasure to present this picture of the Whitchurch Riots, which is a copy of the one hanging in the Town Hall." |
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CD - The Jolly Salvationist
Review by Bandmaster Jonathan Corry, Enfield
The Salvationist, 5th September 2009
The Household Troops Band's latest recording juxtaposes two of the styles of music that brass bands are known for - classic style marches and easy-listening, jazz/swing arrangements.
Given the nature of this band and its annual ministry in various seaside towns throughout the UK, it might be obvious to most people that its music would be easy listening and (dare I say it?) 'jolly' to engage with the general public.
I was greatly encouraged to hear several vintage marches that are seldom heard nowadays - 'Stand To Arms' (George Marshall), 'Sons Of The Army' and 'Deeds Of Valour' (Bramwell Coles). The inclusion of such marches, constructed by master craftsmen, should encourage bandmasters to dig deep into the band cupboard and retrieve those near-fossilised march books from bygone times. The march 'The Jolly Salvationist' by Norwegian Klaus Ostby, with its folk-like modal key, hints at the composer's militaristic upbringing and its upbringing and its airing on this recording - with the bonus of providing a title for the CD - should be welcomed.
As for the lighter music, I feel the band is comfortable in this style with several satisfying tracks including Martyn Thomas's 'Comfort and Joy' and Eiliv Herikstad's 'All To Jesus'. Personal highlights for me are the solo contributions in Stephen Bulla's 'Joshua Swings The Battle' and Barrie Gott's 'Swingtime Religion' from principal cornet Daniel Robson.
In contrast, two tracks break the structure of mirth and merriment and provide a welcome change from the march/swing sandwich. Neil Blessett's full sound in the tenor horn solo 'Depths Of His Love' and the late James Wright's delightful arrangement of 'As The Deer' lead us to thoughts of the divine.
The first thing that struck me on receiving the CD was the front cover, featuring a very jocular Martin Blessett, a gent who epitomises the title of this album in every regard. The CD booklet contains concise and informative programme notes by Bandsman Ralph Brill (Enfield) and relevant details regarding band personnel, leaders and the band's mission.
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CD - Trailblazers
Reiview by Gavin Lindsay, The British Bandsman
19th July 2008
Variety, they say, is the spice of life and this highly enjoyable recording from The Household Troops Band delivers it in spades.
First formed in 1887, the band is made up of Salvationist musicians from all over the UK. The original band members benefitted from the outstanding training provided and would take their experience to local corps as music leaders or as officers who had seen the vision for effective musical ministry.
In its first incarnation, the band lasted for only 6 years, but was re-formed in 1985 and tries to emulate its early-day counterparts with performances worldwide.
Following 'Olympic Fanfare and Theme', the title track, 'Trailblazers', tells of the formation of the band, the lull of almost 100 years and the re-awakening in 1985. Using many familiar tunes the work climaxes with 'There's power in the blood'. Lots of fine playing is evident and the occasional tuning problem in no way lessens the pleasure gained by this spirited and energetic performance. I wasn't previously familiar with Andrew Mackereth, but on the evidence of 'Trailblazers', I look forward to hearing more from him.
Three shorter pieces follow. 'He wipes the tear' is sensitively delivered by tuba soloist, Martin Blessett, in an arrangement by Steve Sykes.
'Exalted' is a light-hearted romp in swing style by David Edmonds. While well played, I am never completely convinced of a brass band's ability to 'swing' properly.
'Gabriel's Oboe' features clarinet soloist, Andrew Piper. Those used to concert bands will not blink an eye at this and it does work very well. My only concern was the slightly forced sound of the clarinet at times, but again, this does not detract from the performance.
'Euphonium Walkabout' by Nicholas Samuel was written for the band's 2007 Australian tour and, not surprisingly, draws heavily on Antipodean fare. It's band versus soloist, with the band arguing in a very British manner, but all ends happily.
Nicholas Samuel is featured again with 'Gift of Love'. Opening with the statement, 'King of my life', this selection uses songs old and new with the concluding statement saying 'No greater love than this'. Nicholas Samuel is a member of the Music Ministries and is Young People's Band Leader at Enfield Citadel.
After the sprightly 'Steadily Forward March' by Harry Kirk, comes 'Concertpiece for Cornet' by James Curnow. Commissioned by Lucerne Brass Band, this is a piece of high quality and it receives an excellent performance by prinicpal cornetist, Daniel Robson. The lively opening demonstrates the band's fine technique, which never gets in the way of the sloist, who shows real artistry and control over a wide range. The central lyrical passage gives way to a return to the opening motif, which brings the work to an exciting conclusion. This was a real highlight to the listener.
'Let Everything Praise' is an overture in the modern style by Martin Cordner. After a slightly scrappy opening, the band settles down and starts to enjoy itself. This is a very enjoyable piece with lots of high-octane action to keep the listener happy.
'Fiesta' is a trombone solo in Latin style, played by Andrew Newell. Based on a song, 'Happiness' by Philip Courts and Peter Graham, the words of the chorus are 'Happiness is for the asking, Love can keep the blues at bay, Joy is found by choosing Jesus, He's the only way'. Despite some intonation issues, the playing is stylish and effective.
'Glorifico Aeternum' certainly needs little or no introduction to the majority of brass band listeners. The opening is arresting and dynamic but there are moments of untunefulness which do grate a little. The slower central section is much more controlled and flows well into the finale, which is generally well handled.
Luke Williams, the band's bass trombone player, is featured playing the bagpipes in 'Highland Cathedral'. Duetting with side-drummer, Andrew Shires, the piece builds nicely to an effective climax. Luke has to be congratulated for learning the bagpipes in 6 weeks, although I am sure he is a gentleman and won't do it again!
The CD draws to a close with the gentle 'The Lord is Gracious' and 'Fanfare for a Dignified Occasion'.
Well directed by Major John Mott, the band acquits itself well on this highly-enjoyable recording.
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CD - Heros
Review by Songster Leader Kevin Ashman, Maidstone
The Salvationist - 8th July 2006
The Household Troops Band (Bandmaster Major John Mott) can always be relied upon to provide an entertaining and enjoyable programme, be it on a bandstand in one of the UK's famous seaside resorts or on the concert platform. The same can also be said of their recordings. The enthusiasm and energy of the players and conductor always shines through. Heroes, the band's recent release, is no exception. The sleeve notes outline the different 'heroes' (spiritual and otherwise) cited on the recording - from the quietly unassuming to the overtly macho!
I do not have the space to mention all the items on this CD but here are a few highlights. The opening bars of Ian Robinson's fanfare on the John Larsson tune 'To A God Like This' immediately shows the band's drive and energy. An obligatory Norman Bearcroft march, 'True Courage', follows featuring the chorus 'I'll be true! True to my colours, the yellow, red and blue' (SASB 778). This is surely the testimony of the composer, celebrating his 80th year and still serving God in the Army. Tom Rive's superbly constructed 'A Pilgrim Song' follows, and contains lovely moments from the band.
Two soloists are featured. First, Carl Saunders (Cardiff Canton) gives a fine performance of Dean Goffin's challenging cornet solo 'Victorious'. A tribute to Erik Leidzen, this solo bears many hallmarks of that great man's work. Trombonist Andy Newell (Bristol Easton) is the second soloist with Terry Camsey's 'This I Know'. Andy captures the style and character of this one to perfection.
The band takes us back to the dim and distant past with Bram Coles' classic festival march 'Departed Heroes' before coming right up to the present with two very different works. First, a recent Keith Manners song setting based on two melodies, 'Such Love' and 'The Wonder of His Grace', and then a major work from Paul Drury, a suite entitled 'The Victors'. This will be a piece that many bands will want to use.
Martin Cordner's 'Sweetest Name' contrasts starkly with Charles Skinner's tone poem 'Heroes Of The Faith' - descriptive music recalling the persecution of Christian under the oppression of Rome. The band captures the spirit of this old favourite well.
Yes, there are moments when balance and intonation are less than perfect, but I am confident that listeners will enjoy this varied and very enjoyable new offering from the HTB. |
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