Milnrow Band concert at Spring Inn, Broad Lane

When recently appointed Musical Director, Denis Hadfield, lifted his baton at for the first item of the night’s concert ‘Aces High’ it heralded another stage in the progression of our Champion Section Milnrow Band.

Appropriate for the time of year, this first offering was composed by Ron Goodwin for the film ‘Battle Of Britain’

Surprisingly the next item was the jazz influenced ‘Birdland’. It was written by Joe Zawinul as a tribute to the Manhattan night club where he had heard many jazz greats and met his wife Maxine. This version highlighted several band soloists, Don Logie, Solo Trombone; Adam Snape, Solo Euphonium; Jenny Brown, Solo Horn; Chris Musgrave, Soprano Cornet and Angus Connell, Percussion. This up beat number showed how well the band could ‘swing’ and went down well with the audience.

The above item preceded the first solo of the evening which was ‘Feeling Good’ performed by Donna Towse on flugel horn. Originally a composition by Leslie Bricusse and Tony Newly in 1965 and later adapted by Michael Buble and others. Donna proved her versatility and expertise with her sensitive rendition on her chosen instrument.

‘Hora Staccato’ was next. Romanian in origin and written for violin it was performed in 1932 by Jascha Heifetz and with this ‘high octane’ arrangement each band member showed the fast thinking, fast fingering and determination required to emulate the violinist’s prowess, especially the full cornet section ably led by Chris Buckley.

Anyone who has seen the 1994 film Forest Gump with Tom Hanks, cannot fail to appreciate one of the films exquisite moments, ’the drifting feather’. This has been captured in the ‘Feather Theme’ which was so beautifully portrayed here by the band.

The sweet sound of the tenor horn, with Jenny Brown in charge regaled us with ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ from the 1939 film Wizard of Oz, and to bring us to the first interval the band gave us ‘Kalinka’. From Russian folklore and written in 1860, featuring euphonium and basses, this piece has a slow and melodious start welling to a tumultuous finale.         

A rousing march, which needed no introduction, opened the second set. It was Kenneth J Alfords well known ‘Colonel Bogie’ getting us in step for the ‘Instant Concert’ compilation item which followed.

Possibly not well known was the first of a composition from Queen, ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’. This item with the probably ‘unPc’ title was written by guitarist Brian May in 1978 and reached number 11 in the UK chart. The Beatles ‘Hey Jude’ was next and brought back memories of the 1960’s and the fabulous four. It was accompanied by vocal support from those present.

The band then brought out that old warhorse ‘Hootenanny’ played at breakneck speed, it engaged the memory cells with such items as ‘Lonesome Road’, ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Down by The Riverside.

One of the band’s favourites in the library is Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Complex in content it is always well received when it is included in a programme and this time was no different. It has increased in popularity due perhaps to the recent film release which pays tribute to Queen and Freddie Mercury.

The final countdown was in sight when the next piece was announced, it was ‘The Final Countdown’ and Bon Jovi`s signature song  ‘Livin on a Prayer’ (1986) was then given an airing. There was still plenty of time for those present to vent their vocal feelings as the band continued with Tom Jones' ‘Delilah’, Village People's ‘YMCA’ and the good old ‘Radetski March’.   

After a tumultuous round of applause, the band concluded with ‘Come on Eileen’ as its curtain call.

Ken Watts, Band President said: “The Musical Director must be congratulated on formulating such a varied and listenable programme which was obviously enjoyed by those in attendance.

“The band has been invited back to the Spring Inn to perform a Christmas concert on Friday 14 December.”