In his comprehensive booklet notes for this fine collection, Bandmaster Howard Evans gives an informative insight into the concept of meditation used throughout the entire world of Salvationist music and examples of this genre make up the majority of Boscombe Band’s programme on this new recording. With an entire programme of reflective music, one of the biggest challenges for a band and conductor is to maintain a suitable contrast in style to keep the listener’s attention. Boscome and the highly-accomplished Howard Evans manage this, in no small degree, in this collection.
The disc opens with Leslie Condon’s Gift for His Altar, a meditation based upon Lt. Col. Richard Slater’s I have not much to give thee Lord, in which the band demonstrates excellent balance and fine control throughout - crucial elements when playing in any style, but all the more important on a recording of reflective music. Similarly, in Bandmaster George Marshall’s Horbury, excellent tone quality and a lovely smoothness of style throughout the band are immediately evident.
The CD’s title track, Eric Ball’s classic meditation, Sanctuary, first performed in 1954, is significant as being the composer’s first work published following his resignation from officership in The Salvation Army, ten years earlier. In the Secret of Thy Presence and The Heart’s Desire provide composition material and are blended together beautifully by both conductor and band. Perhaps due to the greater technical demands it places upon the band, Ray Steadman-Allen’s Emmaus Journey provides one of the highlights of this collection and features, in no small measure, fine euphonium playing from John Starkes. Works from Salvationist luminaries such as Kenneth Downie, Erik Leidzen, Dean Goffin, James Curnow and William Himes make up the remaining tracks of this fine collection, each of which allows Boscombe Band the opportunity to demonstrate its fine tonal qualities.
As one would expect from any recording produced by Brian Hillson, the reproduction is entirely faithful and every element of the band heard clearly throughout. Overall, this is an excellent release from a fine band that captures the emotions and the reflective nature of the music on offer with apparent ease.
Kenneth Crookston
British Bandsman, Saturday 12th July 2008
