Reviewed by Stephen Luff

The 'National' is a first-past-the-post Championship involving around 600 bands in eight Regional qualifying heats staged up and down the UK, plus two Finals events. On this historic recording are winners of various sections, and highlights of The Cory Band's pre-results concert at the Royal Albert Hall. A track from the latter opens the disc, the majestic "Home Of Legends", and presents to the listener (as if it was not obvious) the quality of musicianship here. "Breath Of Souls", for example, is a highly technical piece performed here beautifully by the Brighouse And Rastrick Band (conductor David King). Brighouse, in fact, won the Championship section. Philip Sparke's "Portrait Of A City" performed by Brunel Brass and conducted by John Winterflood (winners of the Second Section at Cheltenham), is an outstanding piece based on Spark's home city of London and skilfully reflects in its three movements a city bustling with life. There is also a wonderful, if a little short, tribute to Glenn Miller played by The Cory Band, who also contribute a jaw-dropping version of "Abide With Me". This is brass played by musicians at the top of their game.

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