BBW’s Recording Awards 2021
Whilst the number of band CDs released this year (Nov 20 – Nov 21) has been understandably limited, it is pleasing that the four recordings shortlisted for the ‘Band CD of the Year’ remain high in quality, all offering something that is both musically satisfying and refreshingly diverse. Our specialist panel, David Childs, Christopher Thomas and Thomas Dunne, presided over the following releases and were unanimous in awarding this year’s victor.
In contention for the coveted title were ‘Bram Gregson and Friends’, a poignant, eminently fitting tribute to a figure who did so much for brass banding in Canada over so many years; Black Dyke’s release of the ninth instalment of its ‘Gold’ series provides an enjoyable amalgam of both concert and contest repertory, with Peter Graham’s Harry Mortimer-inspired Dynasty and Bruce Broughton’s Heroes providing the more substantial items of interest; ‘Regionals 2022’, an attractive set of test-pieces allowing you to relive recordings by great bands and MDs and ‘Salvation’, a recording that features music by erstwhile Berlin Symphony Orchestra principal trombonist, Christian Sprenger
The winning ‘Band CD of the Year’ is ‘Black Dyke Gold – Volume IX’. David Childs explained, “This album offers something for every brass band listener, from the contemporary to the traditional and from the light to the substantial, all recorded with excellent audio clarity and splendidly performed by a band on form. The scintillating première recordings of works by Bruce Broughton, Peter Graham and Andy Wareham are, alone, enough to make this release a worthy contender for BBW’s flagship band recording award.” Conductor Professor Nicholas J. Childs stated, “It’s wonderful to end the year with so much more optimism. Receiving BBW’s Band CD of the Year is an award that I and the band receive with great excitement and pride. I knew the repertoire would be appealing with some world premieres, fantastic soloists and a band in fine form.”
In the last 12 months, the quality of the solo recordings has been nothing but a joy to listen to. Our four front-runners for the coveted Solo CD of the Year Award all display musicians and individual artistry of the very highest order, as David Childs and Christopher Thomas discovered.
‘Matryoshka’, a disc which showcases Tredegar Town Band band and Brass in Concert’s recent Best Tenor Horn Award winner, Ross Dunne, on scintillating form; Jim Hayes’ ‘Jonny Midnight – The Edge of Tomorrow’, full of fun and tongue-in-cheek wit, combined with highly impressive playing from the solo star; Professor David King’s debut solo disc ‘Resurrection’, demonstrating that the former British Open Solo Champion remains a quite astounding performer and ‘Sound and Light’ from Demondrae Thurman an outstanding showcase of wholly engaging repertoire complemented by superbly balanced audio between the soloist and piano.
The ‘Solo CD of the Year’ is ‘Resurrection’. David Childs commented, “David King’s playing is far from normal. From start-to-finish, he makes it sound so easy, with innate musicality and artistry oozing from every track. Accompanied throughout on the piano by the talented, Amir Farid, the two musicians combine wonderfully to create moments of sheer beauty and thrilling brilliance, through a sophisticated compilation of repertoire that provides something for everyone.” When considering the overall performance of the soloist, David wholeheartedly agreed with former LSO principal trumpet, Howard Snell’s assertion from his recent BBW review of the disc, “His performance level is stratospheric. Bravo indeed!” On receiving the award David King commented, “My sincere thanks to ‘Brass Band World’ for selecting ‘Resurrection’ in this year’s annual awards and particularly to Howard Snell for his BBW critique. I am extremely honoured. I would like to acknowledge my two fellow ‘Aussie’ musicians, Amir Farid (piano) and Jarrad Gilson (producer), and also to sincerely thank Peter Graham for the opportunity to record ‘Resurrection’.”
This year has also seen several superb CD releases that made a considerable artistic impact within the brass world but were ineligible for either of BBW’s Solo or Band CD awards. David Childs picked out a selection of releases worthy of special recognition. The brass ensemble is an increasingly popular genre of music that is flourishing today, thanks to the pioneering work of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble (PJBE) and other trailblazers that helped pave the way. Three brass ensembles, which continue to thrive with the same brand of creative ingenuity that PJBE exuded all those years ago, gifted some quite astonishing albums during 2021.
‘Festmusik – A Legacy’ was released by Chandos and features an expanded Onyx Brass. With a work such as Strauss’ majestic Festmusik of 1943 as its centrepiece, brought together under the charismatic baton of John Wilson and with guest players including Philip Cobb, James Fountain, Peter Moore and David Pyatt, it is not surprising that this disc made a huge impression as an exemplar of refined British brass playing.
For the latest instalment in its acclaimed Naxos series, Septura delighted its fans by releasing the music of Gershwin and Copland on ‘Music for Brass Septet 7’. Artistic directors, Simon Cox and Matthew Knight, once again excelled with both the concept and arrangements featured. However, it’s the ensemble’s phenomenal playing that leaves a lasting impression and immerses the listener in the glorious soundscape and exquisite musicianship of one of the finest brass septets in the world.
The collective talents of Jamie Smith, Jonathan Bates, Mike Cavanagh and Chris Robertson are featured on ’Mosaic’, the second album from A4 Brass Quartet, released by Somm Recordings. This innovative ensemble has breathed new life into brass quartet performance and, with this release, a fascinating collection of imaginative arrangements played with style, glorious phrasing and remarkable technique – these gifted brass ambassadors once again shine in every way.
Composers Edward Gregson and Gavin Higgins both released excellent classical portrait discs, ’Instrumental Music’ and ’Ekstsis’ respectively, whilst the remarkable solo talents of cornetist, Chris Bradley, were showcased on his online release, ’Silver Lining’. From the orchestral world, Stacie Mickens (French horn), Tine Thing Helseth (trumpet) and Matthew Gee (trombone) also released exceptional solo discs during a year where creative activity was at a premium.
In spite of undoubted challenges, it is abundantly clear that the standard of recording produced this year has been unaffected by the pandemic. From solo, band and ensemble releases to the superb Wobplay recital and concert series recordings there is much to enjoy and celebrate from 2021.
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