Just Like John by Household Troops Band Of The Salvation Army

Reviewed by Ian Hayter

Since 1997 the Household Troops Band of the Salvation Army has made 17 albums, all under the expert direction of Major John Mott. This is his last outing, hence, no doubt, the album's title, taken from a line in an old spiritual which appears here in Norman Bearcroft's arrangement. We have the usual mixture of brilliant arrangements of classic (and classical - "Crown Imperial" and "Pie Jesu") tunes, excellent original compositions from the very best of the Army's own composers, and superb musicianship, with virtuoso solo performances by cornettist Daniel Robson, euphonium players Keith Loxley and Christian Marklew (the latter's "The Better World" is magnificent), and trombonist Andrew Newell. The album begins with William Gordon's fanfare "Laudes Domini", which is based on the hymn tune "When Morning Gilds The Skies", and from there to the final "Truth Aflame" (a sparkling nine-minute overture by soprano cornettist Kevin Norbury based on William Booth's "Send The Fire") there is not a single duff note nor an ill-judged harmony. This is brass music that sends the spirit soaring and glorifies the God who is at the very heart of all these pieces. If you love brass music - and, I suspect, even if you don't - you'll be delighted by all 11 tracks on this album.