ISB Hall for Cornwall Truro 2009

All the great things that have been said about this Band are absolutely true, but you have to be there to believe it! The playing of this band is quite extraordinary, they seem to have a technique which is different to all of the great bands that I have heard, and I ask all true brass band people to go and listen for yourselves. I think you will get a real surprise. They have a pure sound, no hardness - even when playing at full stretch - it really is quite breathtaking.

From the first piece March Militare we all new we were in for a fantastic night of great music,and were not disappointed. I stood in the wings to hear Iain Parkhouse's beautiful rendition of a Leigh Bakers arrangement of Ar Lan Y Mor; a baritone player with such control and truly wonderful style. In the Hall that night was Stephen Ponsford the young composer of Turris Fortissima, I feel sure that this young man has a great future - a really remarkable piece of music which was given a great ovation from everyone. I know we will hear a lot more from this young man.

There was to be many more great moments throughout the evening in many forms of music from Jazz to Big band and of course very traditional SA music, as well as eight of the band giving a vocal item. It has been said by many choirs that have sung in the hall that it does not lend itself to choirs, but these eight musicians proved this to be unfounded, as every word could be heard with balance and harmony to be just right.

Soloists: Kevin Ashman played a cornet solo Golden Slippers from the pen of Norman Bearcroft, and it has to be said that many of today's Cornet players would find this solo to difficult to even attempt, but Kevin gave a dazzling performance that would test many a great player. It was played with great style and panache, and made to sound very easy, what a player! Just a few weeks ago the Heyl band had a visit from Derick Kane the ISB bands Euphonium player, such a gentleman, which we have all found with all the players, nothing seems to be to much trouble, so the band were all looking forward to hearing Derick, and he did not disappoint, the love that Derick has for his playing is completely evident in every way, for me the complete player, not just the mastery of the difficult playing, but the warmth and sound is truly immense.

All these great players have to be lead by someone who understands the band, and Stephen Cobb does just that. There is without doubt a great connection between band and conductor and this was very evident for the whole of the evening, but for me it was the playing of Paganini Variations by Philip Wilby that stood out as one very special moment of magic. I have heard and played this music many times, but the interpretation was something that many of us will not forget for a very long time. Even when the music demanded the very most from the players, it was never overdone, the sound and balance was always in control from a very fine conductor. Some bands think they can play this music, and some conductors think they know the piece ... even our so called top bands could have learnt from this performance. Finally can i just say thank you to Dr Stephen Cobb and all of the players for giving us such a great concert, from a very, very special group of people - and look forward to the next time.

Thank you
Derek Johnston
Musical Director
Heyl Band

2009/11/06