The Household Troops Band

Review by John Maines, The British Bandsman
17th July 2004

This brand new CD from the Household Troops Band of The Salvation Army, conducted by Major John Mott, demonstrates why this ensemble is such a highly respected outfit.

The programme of music delivered is varied and entertaining, opening with a Norman Bearcroft march, 'SA South Africa 120', played at a real 'road march' tempo yet losing nothing of its joyful swing.

Goff Richards isn't a name that one would normally see on a Salvation Army recording, but his music is worthy of an airing in any situation, and the band shows a sensitive and musical approach to his superb 'Shepherd's Song', before bringing the listener the music of the title track, 'Great and Glorious' by George Marshall. This is a splendid selection, apparently inspired by a visit to the summit of the Grampian Mountains and the music, so well played by the band, portrays the grandeur of the subject matter beautifully.

Next, the band shows the kind of versatility that has made it such a force on the concert stage in a fine swing arrangement by Ian Robinson of Andre Crouch's song 'Soon and very soon!'

Kenneth Downie's settings of famous hymn tunes have become well liked and this next track of one of his most dramatic and superbly crafted works is no exception.

The same composer contributes two other pieces to the programme in the form of 'Sprit of Celebration', originally written as a signature tune for Yorkshire Building Society Band, and his first composition published in the Festival Series, 'The Joy Bringer', a fantasy march featuring the songs 'A Sunbeam' and 'O Wash Me Now'.

The band's principal euphonium player, Keith Loxley, is featured in a lovely rendition of David Catherwood's arrangement of 'Lark in the Clear Air'. The other soloist on the disc is Andrew Mercer on trombone, with a lyrical treatment of Norman Bearcroft's arrangement of 'Over the Rainbow'. Although well played by all, there are one or two moments of uneasy tuning but, again, not too many to spoil. Andrew is then joined by his colleagues in the trombone section, Paul Graham, Mark Sharman and Luke Williams in 'Trombone Vespers', skillfully arranged by Ray Steadman-Allen, after which a great foot-tapping march in the traditional brass band format is included - Philip Catelinet's 'Exultant'. The entire cornet section also takes the spotlight in a delightful feature, 'Always Cheerful' by Ian Clarke, a most entertaining piece although, at times, I felt that the cornet section was a little muddy (maybe it was the acoustic?). However, this didn't detract from my enjoyment.

Camille Saint-Saens stirring 'March Militaire Francaise' in an arrangement by Michael Kenyon, precedes the wonderfully reflective playing of the Household Troops in 'Fall Afresh', based on the chorus 'Spirit of the Living God' and arranged by another composer who earned a fine reputation, both inside and outside of The Salvation Army, Andrew Mackereth.

The disc's finale is provided by two contrasting items; 'Daniel' is a working of the youth song, Dare to be a Daniel, and is featured here in a brilliant arrangement by Barrie Gott in his favoured swing style. (The kit percussionist deserves a special mention). 'Daniel' is followed by the second Ray Steadman-Allan offering, 'Evening Hymn', a lovely setting of 'The Day Thou Gavest' that provides the perfect ending to a most enjoyable and delightfully presented disc.

The production is of the usual first class standard from SP&S Ltd. and the attractive sleeve and informative notes finish off the package well.

Review by Malcolm Wood, 4Bars Rest
25th July 2004

The Household Troops Band of The Salvation Army dates back to 1887, but was reformed in 1985 by Major John Mott to revive the spirit of the original band. In short, it is a band that comprises of players from Salvation Army Centres across the UK, whom meet up every summer to do a mini-tour, playing in towns and centres, and celebrating their belief in the message of God in the best way they can - by making music.

I have been fortunate to hear the band in the past (at the prestigious Great Northern Brass Arts Festival, where they will appear again in September 2004), and this recording is testament to the quality of their music making. Impressive is an understatement.

The recording is a mix of popular mainstream items, coupled with more thoughtful music. Kenneth Downie, Barrie Bott, Goff Richards and Ray Steadman-Allen are all familiar names in the banding world and all of them are featured on this recording.

The disc opens with the joyful march, 'Salvation Army South Africa 120'. by Norman Bearcroft. The 120 acknowledging the number of years the work of The Salvation Army has been in existence in South Africa.

George Marshall will always be held in high-esteem in Salvation Army circles, and is the composer of the title track, 'Great and Glorious'. The inspiration came from a trip to the top of the Grampian Mountains, one Easter Sunday. Such was inspiration that he composed this work, a reflective yet joyful offering that was completed within two weeks of leaving the mountain top; it made that much of an impression and the music he wrote confirms it - it is wonderful stuff.

The one thing that certainly comes across in this recording is the real sense of joy the musicians have in performing music that clearly means so much to them. For example, the hymn tune, 'Cwm Rhondda' is awash with emotion in this arrangement by Kenneth Downie. The same can also be said for 'Trombone Vespers', an arrangement by Ray Steadman-Allen for the trombone section that is a little delight. The other Downie contributions are 'The Joy-Bringer', a march fantasy that was the first of a number of compositions to be published in the Festival series. Within the march are two Downie songs, 'A Sunbeam' and 'O Wash Me Now'.

'Spirit of Celebration' was composed for the Yorkshire Building Society Band and David King as a signature tune when Kenneth Downie was appointed Composer-in-Residence in 1998. The popularity of Downie's music is such, that other ensembles perform this piece nowadays. This performance is certainly note worthy, with that real feeling of happiness about it. The tempos remain upbeat and there is some very good playing around the band, especially from Ben Bewers on Soprano.

The solos on the album will be familiar to all banders. Keith Loxely, the band's principal euphonium player is at ease in the traditional love song, 'The Lark in The Clear Air', whereas, Andrew Mercer brings a refreshing feel to 'Over the Rainbow', a popular solo amongst flugel horn players ever since Judy Garland tapped he red shoes together.

Camille Saint-Saens' popular 'French Military March' gets the Household Troops treatment, and Barrie Gott takes the youth song 'Dare to be a Daniel' and transforms it into one of those toe-tapping numbers.

The release concludes with the Ray Steadman-Allen arrangement of 'Evening Hymn'. Once again, the music is not short of emotion and feeling. If you are familiar with the Household Troops Band, you'll certainly want a copy of this recording, and for those that are unfamiliar, but enjoy popular mainstream music, coupled with thoughtful repertoire this is a CD to certainly add to the collection. They will not be disappointed.