The first offering by the Kettering Citadel Band under the direction of its new bandmaster, Richard Phillips, this recording is an enjoyable experience comparable to listening to a well-crafted concert program. The production under review is a strong effort and further recordings from the band will be anticipated with some eagerness.

In general, the band plays in a controlled and conservative manner, with good dynamic range and tempi. Balance overall is very good, although the bass end is sometimes understated a bit. The soloists are uniformly excellent, especially euphonium soloist Gary Rose, who seems to apply his phrasing and shaping skills as a top-notch vocalist to his instrumental playing.

The band is obviously well-trained and tolerant of varying styles, doing especially well in some of the more traditionally scored passages. The sound of the band is very good, with some room for improvement, particularly in terms of genuine excitement, some of which comes through in the Radetzky March, but is somewhat lacking in other spots. Dramatic intensity is a strong point, shown quite well in the third and fourth movements of A Pastoral Symphony. No doubt, the band’s playing, although already of a high standard, will reach a pinnacle with more familiarity with Bandmaster Phillips.

The selection of items for the recording is well-balanced, with an emphasis toward older works, some of which are lesser-known but no less enjoyable. Listening to the recording is similar to sitting through a well-planned concert program, an admirable achievement for a general recording. It is a bit short, at 64:03 playing time, but this is a minor flaw and does not detract from the overall effect. The “title” work, A Pastoral Symphony, is a true Salvation Army classic that is often overlooked. Wonderful Healer, one of Dean Goffin’s later works, is comparable in spirit and craftsmanship to his masterpiece The Light of the World (Goffin himself described Wonderful Healer as a “companion” piece to the earlier work). While Rob Clark gives an excellent performance of Christ Is the Answer, it would have been refreshing to have something new for piano and band – perhaps from the pen of the Kettering Citadel bandmaster.

The technical quality of the recording is excellent, as has come to be expected from any Brian Hillson producton. Liner notes, written by the bandmaster, are informative without being verbose. Cover art and layout are serviceable and unremarkable.