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Sublime Salvation at Arran High
By Dave Payn, The Arran Voice - 28th August 2008

Last Wednesday, The Household Troops Band of The Salvation Army under the excellent direction of Major John Mott and their principal cornet, Carl Saunders, gave a memorable display of brass playing at the new High School Theatre.

Earlier in the day they marched through Brodick and geld an open rehearsal at Lamlash Church Hall, joined by members of Arran Brass.

From the opening bars of the standing trombones and cornets in John Williams' 'Olympic Fanfare and Theme', it was evident that the packed theatre was in for a special treat and so it proved. The sheer power and quality of tone immediately set the musical scene for the rest of the evening. This was followed by an exciting and vibrant overture by Martin Cordner, entitled 'Let Everything Praise', using as its base the hymn tune All Creatures of our God and King.


Then, for this reviewer, came the premier highlight amongst many of the evening, the cornet solo 'Glorious Fountain' by Bernard Smith, played by principal cornet and Deputy Bandmaster Carl Saunders. His control of the instrument was absolute, displaying astonishing technical dexterity, wonderful phrasing and a sumptuous, lyrical tone across the entire range. Carl is a genuine cornet virtuoso and MC, Lt-Col David Phillips' description of him as one of the foremost cornet soloists in the world was entirely justified.

Other soloists throughout the concert included trombonist Andrew Newell in a majestic performance of 'Over the Rainbow', Andrew Piper, who swapped his E flat bass for a clarinet in an equally beautiful reading of Ennio Morricone's 'Gabriel's Oboe' and euphonium Christian Marklew's fine rendition of 'Bravura' by Peter Graham. A lively El Es El Senor by Dean Jones and music from the film 'Pirates of the Caribbean' drew the first half to an exciting conclusion.

The band added an extra item in the second half, after the congregational song 'Simply Trusting'. Under the baton of Carl Saunders they showed just how exquisitely they could play hymn tunes with two verses of Handel Parker's 'Deep Harmony'. This was followed by an excellent swing number, 'Exalted', from the pen of one of the band's cornetists, David Edmonds, based on the chorus I will wait upon the Lord.

Lt.-Col. David Phillips addressed the audience with a pause for thought, after which the band gave a very moving performance of a setting by Peter Graham of the hymn tune 'Crimond', quoting and adapting from Eric Ball's classic brass band work 'Resurgam' (I shall rise again). Its final bars, dying away to a whisper from its preceding crescendo to a spellbinding fortissimo, showed just how much control the band had at the very extremes of dynamics.

The concert concluded with 'Peace' by Kenneth Downie and 'Swingtime Religion' by Barrie Gott, with Ray Ogg's march 'Rousseau' as an encore, and the thoroughly deserved standing ovation afforded by the audience was a testament to an utterly memorable and moving night of music making of the highest order. The band's ability to alter the tone and articulation to suit the mood of each piece was highly impressive.

Many thanks to resident Salvation Army Officer Lexie Andrade for inviting the band and organising the concert. It goes without saying that we would love to have them here again soon!
A performance words can't describe
By Harry Ross, The Arran Banner

The Arran Banner's music correspondent Harry Ross enjoyed a sell-out concert at Arran High School in Lamlash last Wednesday evening with The Household Troops Band of The Salvation Army.

There are times when even the most eloquent and open minded of music critics has to accept that descriptions of performances however well written, are totally inadequate to describe the quality and brilliance of the music. This performance by The Household Troops Band of The Salvation Army was exactly just that!

From the 'Olympic Fanfare' (a most appropriate choice) right through to the end, the audience was treated to a brilliant extravaganza of outstanding quality, during which they were privileged to listen to some world-class performances by the band.

With a rare mix of popular, devotional and film soundtrack music, the band played a great selection of tunes to suit all tastes and though it is difficult to select highlights from such a wonderful performance.

I must praise Carol Saunders' superb technique in 'Glorious Fountain', which almost brought the house down. Andrew Newell's beautiful interpretation on the trombone of 'Over the Rainbow' and Andrew Piper's sensitive rendering of 'Gabriel's Oboe' on clarinet (from the film The Mission) brought the first half to a close.

The second half began with a congregational song 'Simply Trusting' followed by the bright and lively piece, 'Bravura' featuring Christian Marklew on euphonium and 'Exalted' a Noel Edmonds composition to follow.

The band then played a beautifully sensitive performance of 'Crimond' (the 23rd Psalm) after which Lieutenant Colonel David Phillips gave a short address and prayer for all present. This was followed by 'Peace' (a song without words) and in typical Salvation Army fashion the final tune 'Swingtime Religion' brought the concert to a close. I noted that the old favourite Gimme that Old Time Religion was slotted within the last piece.

At the finale, a standing ovation was given to the orchestra and, this in itself, was indicative of the deep affection the audience has for the whole organisation, one that I am sure will last for sometime to come. It was a truly magnificent evening of musical performance.