Published: 9-Oct-2007
It’s hard to think of a brass band that has made such
an impression on the collective consciousness at the top level of
contesting in the last 10 years or so than Brass Band of Central
Florida.
4BR first heard them at the US Open a few years ago
and were immediately bowled over by their sense of enthusiasm and
collective musical personality. Yes, they were a touch ragged around the
edges in comparative terms to top class bands in the UK, but, by heck
they could play, with a splendid clutch of top notch solo line players
and an MD who even on the most casual of glances was something a bit
special.
Within a year we heard them again and a few months
later they arrived in the UK to play at the British Open. What impressed
you most about them was not just their hunger to improve and learn from
whom they respectfully felt were the best bands in the business (and
what a refreshing attitude that was), but by the way in which they could
so quickly assimilate that thirst for knowledge into palpable results.
Within such a short space of time they had refined
their tonal palette, rounded off the rough edges, warmed the tone and
sounded like a top class ‘British’ brass band. We had witnessed their
rather unique brand of concert entertainment of course at the US Open
once more, but come Brass in Concert last year they were ready to show
everyone else too – and what an impression that made.
Thankfully, they also took the time to record this
release – a mix of recorded studio material and their ‘live’ concert
performance at Gateshead (although the date on the back sleeve is surely
incorrect). The only disappointment perhaps is that there isn’t more to
enjoy – at just over 53 minutes, it’s a short release and begs the
question why more wasn’t recorded, as they certainly had the repertoire
to do so? Still, it’s a hugely entertaining 53 or so minutes
nonetheless.
What we do get is some fabulous high tempo, high
energy, big band inspired playing (they can genuinely swing and jazz –
not a surprise really given the background of many of their players and
especially their phenomenal drummer Sergio Carreno) but also some lovely
more reflective playing too.
Where they still lack warmth is perhaps not
surprisingly when they really open up, as the strength of the top end
cornets (topped by the fine playing of soprano Dee McAfee and counter
balanced by an exceptionally strong trombone section) tends to over
power the middle band timbre. However, given their thirst for
self-improvement it will only be a matter of time before that is
rectified we are sure.
Back to the recording though and the 12 tracks leave
you well and truly entertained. The studio tracks are enhanced by the
usual high standard of engineering by Brian Hillson and his team and
although the ‘live’ tracks tend to be a touch less focused and have a
quota of blips and blobs, they never distract from the musical picture
the MD and his band strive to create.
It is the big band stuff that does take the breath
away – the style is impeccably authentic and the underlying foundation
from the percussion is superb (it couldn’t be anything less given the
background of the MD). The solo lines are also so relaxed and natural
too, with Herb Bruce on sparkling form in his solo item. The band swing
as one – a much harder task to bring off than you may think, especially
when you hear even a top UK band trying to do the same. They are object
lessons to any band and conductor – and we do mean, any band.
The two marches may just be a touch over
enthusiastic, but are full of good ‘ol American verve whilst the two
quieter items are neatly displayed and executed (they sing as good as
any Welsh choir too). Michael J Garasi is a talented arranger and his
big band items and the final rhapsody on the famous Napoli tune are
stamped through with class and delivered with real aplomb.
It rounds off a short but very appetising release; a
little different but enjoyable so (including the sleeve notes from
Julian Bright, which include the startlingly wonderful phrase “…in the
hallowed setting of Croyden Abbey, saw the two sessions that birthed the
foundations for this special souvenir album.”).
You don’t get to read something like every time you
buy a brass band CD now do you? Then again, you don’t get to hear a
brass band like Central Florida every now again either.
Track listing:
1. Fanfare for the Common Man, Copland arr. Snell
adapted by Michael Garasi, 3.36
2. Malaga Bill, Hollman arr. Michael Garasi, 6.18
3. Rolling Thunder, Henry Fillmore arr. Robertson, 2.02
4. Bolero, Maurice Ravel arr. Michael Garasi, 4.32
5. Scherzo for Trombone, Jim Cheyne Herb Bruce (Trombone), 4.26
6. Beauty and the Beast, Alan Menken arr. Michael Garasi, 2.43
7. 'Tis A Gift!, Copland arr. Michael Garasi, 4.48
8. Stars and Stripes Forever, John Philip Sousa, 3.44
9. The Prayer, Carol Bayer Sager and David Foster arr. Michael Garasi,
4.39
10. Birdland Joe Zawinul arr. Lane and Sharp, 4.48
11. Sing, Sang, Sung Gordon Goodwin arr. Mizell, 5.19
12. Funiculi Funicula Rhapsody, Luigi Denza and Yo Goto adapted by
Michael Garasi, 6.32
Total playing time: 53.30
