What, I wonder, is likely to be more popular: a CD offering only previously unrecorded music of one which includes some well-known pieces? Pictures Of Perfection, the new CD from Birmingham Citadel Band, happily opts for the alternative.
The CD starts with Andrew Blythís exciting ëThe Great Celebrationí which leads into Dean Jones ës gentle and reflective arrangement ëFaithful Godí, based on the words ëFaithful God, All sufficient one, I worship you. Shalom, my peace, my strong deliverer, I lift you up, faithful Godí.
Eric Ballís ëThe TrIumph of Peaceí is a timeless composition and as relevant today as when it was first published, at a time when the world was ravaged by the effects of the Second World War. In our still war-torn world we continue to need to pray the words of John Oxenhamís hymn ëPeace in our Time, O Lordí.
Another favourite from the pen of Eric Ball is ëSound Out The Proclamationí, which reminds us how the good news was spread in the early days of The Salvation Army.
Three soloists are featured on this CD. Keith Watts (euphonium) brings Michael Baddís arrangement ëPictures Of Perfectioní which expresses some of the wonder of Godís creation, based on the words ëIf I could climb up evíry distant hillÖ Iíd be catching a glimpse of your glory and pictures of perfectioní.
Principal cornet Martin Hughes has chosen Peter Grahamís ëSwedish Hymní as his solo piece, featuring the very popular íHow Great Thou Artí.
The third soloist is Mark Sharman (trombone) who presents Derek Broadbentís challenging arrangement of ëThe Bluebells Of Scotlandí, originally written for trumpet.
Two festival marches are included. I still find it hard to believe that Wilfred Heatonís festival march ëPraiseí was published as long ago as January 1949. Here it receives all the swagger and enthusiasm that make this item popular with the listening audience.
William Gordon brings us up to date with his exhilarating march ëSalvationís Songí, based around the chorus ëWeíll sing in the morning the songs of salvationí.
The music of William Himes is represented by ëAll That I Amí, a beautiful arrangement combing the chorus of dedication of the same name and the song ëI Surrender Allí. In similar vein is David Catherwoodís arrangement ëIn His Presenceí, telling of the peace and comfort that can be gained in Godís presence.
ne of the most evocative songs in The Song Book Of The Salvation Army is Catherine Bairdís ëWhen Jesus Looked Oíer Galileeí. Robert Redhead has taken this as the theme for his ëReflections in Natureí. In the sleeve notes Bandmaster David Nicholson encourages the listener to imagine a beautiful sunrise over the Sea of Galilee and see this as the backdrop to Christís life as it was to unfold.
The collection concludes fittingly with Peter Grahamís ëShine As The Lightí, an exiting piece built around ëWalk In The Lightí, ëCandle Of The Lordís and ëThe Light Has Comeí.
Pictures Of Perfection comes attractively packaged and has helpful sleeve notes prepared.
RODNEY GRAVETT
Salvationist ñ 6 September, 2003
