The Start Of Something Big (2001)

The following tracks appear on this CD The Start Of Something Big Cover

Live and Let Die
Theme from the James Bond Film. The music has the excitement and of course the love interest of a Bond movie. Superbly played by Paul Argyle.

The Death of Don Quixote
Commissioned by the National Youth Band. This is part of the suite "Evocations" and depicts the great knight on his death bed looking back on his life now that he has lost his powers. The music starts emotionless, like a death march but soon becomes romantic and nostalgic. Performed at the proms in 2000, this is one of the conductor's favourite pieces of the last few years. The music ends with the tolling of the bell as Don Quixote slips away.

Variations for Percussion
One of the best ever compositions for percussion and brass band, this features lots of percussion instruments and some lovely controlled playing from the band in the quiet, rather beautiful middle sections.

Mid All The Traffic
Better known as "Shenandoah" this wonderful arrangement by salvationist Leonard Ballastine shows of the great sound of the Rothwell Temperance Band.

"Minuet" from "A Downland Suite"
English music written in 1932 and still sounding fresh today; if only John Ireland had composed more for brass band.

I'm Stone In Love With You
Arranged by local pianist Nigel Wears for his friend Les McCormack. Formerly a hit song from Johnny Mathis, amongst others.

Cockaigne Overture
This slightly condensed version is brilliantly arranged by Gordon Roberts. First played and highly acclaimed by Black Dyke Band in 1995, the music depicts London Town; the busy streets, the traffic, and lovers in the park. Truly great music.

The Start of Something Big
Our title track, recoded by all the greats, transcribed from a big band score.

Embraceable You
A Gershwin classic given the magical Elgar Howarth treatment, this features young trombonist Steven Haynes.

Bandance
Commissioned exclusively for the Rothwell Temperance Band, this is by award winning R.A.F. composer Ian Laidler. Full of melody and excitement, this celtic music is just what we wanted.

The Blue Bird
Based on a poem by Mary Coleridge. This beautiful song brings the CD to a magical end.

The following players appear on this CD:

Cornets:
David Hale (Principal)
Anna Ferguson
Rebecca Yeo
Andrew Riley
David Giblin
Paul Argyle (Soprano)
Chris Brunyee
Richard Glascodine
Jane Thompson
Caroline Hoyle
Joanna Ward
Chris Rhodes

Flugel:
Tim Hammond
Lucy Murphy

Horns:
Les McCormack
Catherine Roberts
Gemma Howley
Ivor Phillips

Baritones:
Andrew Rigby
Matthew Allsop
Claire Hale

Euphoniums:
Chris Larder
Emma Farrow

Trombones:
Steven Haynes
Jonathan Hamel
Glyn Thompson

Basses:
Ed Hodkin
Derek Hoyle
Andy Catherall
Nigel Walker
John Gillam

Percussion:
Tim Sawyer
Rachel Maguire
Kathy Kearsley
Lucy Beeson
Brad Parsk

Two reviews of this recording are available, one from Brass Band World and the other from the British Bandsman.

With thanks to:

Peter Argyle
Dave Fowler
Pete Richmond
Richard Wilton
Peter Horsfall
Mal Brownbill
Nigel Wears
Martin Wydell
Paul Davis
Barnsley College for the use of their Studios

Additional Engineering by James Fosberry
Cover Design by Brian Jones

Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Brian Jones & Al McNichol
Westbank & AMC Production
01924 240859 / 07817 283089 / 07968 120082
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web: http://www.westbankamc.co.uk