Reviewed by Stephen Luff

Clearly 2011 was a great year for brass band music if this 22 track collection is anything to go by. Contained here are bands top of their game such as Fodens Band, Grimethorpe Collery Band and the Cory Band. The variety of music is also jaw-dropping, Wings' "Live And Let Die" (Fountain City Brass Band) to "Jesus Answers Prayer" (Household Troops Band). There is so much quality music here it is difficult to point out the highlights. I particularly enjoyed the jazz fused "101 Damnations"(Foden's Band), the gentle "Margaret" taken Grimethorpe's Hymns Vol 11, the emotional "Turris Fortissima" (Enfield Citadel Band) and "Only For You" (Black Dyke Band) which sounds a little like a TV theme. If there is criticism it is the dominance of certain bands - between the Dyke, Grimethorpe and Cory bands there are 10 tracks! That said, if there was evidence that brass band music continues to be a strong musical force, this is it.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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