Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Bellshill, West Scotland, have sported a Salvation Army band since 1921 and judging from the quality of this CD, they are one of the finest in the UK. 'Immeasurable' also demonstrates just how varied the repertoire of today's Salvationists actually is, the material here ranging from ancient - an arrangement of the 17th century hymn tune "Lift Up Your Voice", to modern - a rendition of Hillsong's "Hide Me Now". There is a lengthy, classically-orientated piece "Jubilance" written by Chicago's William Himes and featuring some dazzling cornet work from Alex Ramsay to a festival march "Motivation". Bandmaster Yvonne Ferguson runs a very tight ship and the ensemble work of the musicians under her charge is crisp and flawless while the band's two featured soloists Ramsay and euphonium maestro Chris Shanks are top rate. Some may struggle with the wide sweep of moods and sounds that these Scottish instrumentalists produce but for those ready to take on everything from skilfully played songs like "The Prayer" (popularised by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli) through to Handel Parker's "Deep Harmony" (Bellshill's haunting rendition even outdoing the much loved version by the Black Dyke Band) this is a fine release.

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