Dalrymple and London Citadel Go to the Mountain

This concert, titled Blazing Brass, was the fifth since the series was inaugurated in 2002 by the host band, Mountain Citadel, under the leadership of Bandmaster Phil Rayment. The guests this year were London Citadel Band (Bandmaster John Lam), and cornet soloist Captain Stewart Dalrymple, a Canadian and former member of the London Citadel Band, currently serving with the Salvation Army in Ohio, USA.

The concert got off to a good start with a rousing rendition by Mountain Citadel Band of Peter Graham's march, The Ambassadors, originally written for the New York Staff Band's 1982 World Tour. This was followed by Ian Rayner's transcription of Smetana's popular piece, Dance of the Comedians, here presented in fine style by London Citadel Band. It was evident from the band's playing that cornet legend Tommy Wilson can still tuck in the solo cornet part without much difficulty!

Stewart Dalrymple then stepped forward to give a brilliant performance of Escapade (Joseph Turrin), played on this occasion on the piccolo trumpet, ably accompanied by London Citadel Band.

The London Citadel Band followed up with two items. First, a new arrangement by the the band's principal trombonist, Noel Brooks, of the old Welsh tune “Cwm Rhonnda”, here given a fresh new treatment in an irregular metre. This was followed by Peter Graham's ever popular Gaelforce.

Stewart Dalrymple changed the mood with his sensitive playing of the Leonard Ballantine song Don't doubt Him now, arranged by Craig Woodland, another member of the London Citadel Band who is making his mark in the compositional arena. Dalrymple was accompanied in this solo by the Mountain Citadel Band, who then played Duke Street Intrada, composed by Ralph Carmichael, arranged for brass band by Bandmaster Rayment.

To conclude the first half, Bandmaster Lam of London Citadel Band chose the major work Daystar from the pen of Ray Steadman-Allen. This music is inspired by the words of 2 Peter 1:19, and the composer employs the hymn tune “Ascalon”. This is a real tour de force for band, and they were up to the challenge with a confident reading of this work.

The guest band kicked off the second half with the recent march from Martin Cordner, Crossbearers, followed by Stewart Dalrymple's simple but eloquent rendition of the Joy Webb song Share My Yoke.

The Massed Bands

For the Mountain Citadel Band's major contribution to the evening, Bandmaster Rayment chose to play William Hime's To the Chief Musician. Hard to believe this work is now over 20 years old, as it still sounds fresh to the listener, with it's innovative ideas using singing and the spoken word interspersed with the playing, here given a fine reading. It was encouraging to see a large number of young people in this group. Rayment's work with the band is certainly showing dividends.

London Citadel Band then changed the mood with Leonard Ballantine's swing arrangement, Since Jesus. Captain Dalrymple gave a short devotional talk and followed up with a brilliant performance of Stephen Bulla's demanding but introspective solo, Crossroad.

For the remainder of the concert, the two bands joined forces to present the old march The Roll Call (Broughton); Erik Leidzén's transcription of Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring; and finally a rousing rendition of Jim Curnow's fantasy on spirituals, titled Jubilation.

Mountain Citadel Band and those involved with the organising of the concert are to be congratulated for serving up this musical feast, and it was evident from the enthusiastic response from the full house, that all in attendance enjoyed the menu!