Norwich Citadel Band - Blessing & Honour

Published Friday 15th July 2011
Norwich Citadel Band - Blessing & Honour
Norwich Citadel Band - Blessing & Honour

STYLE: Brass Band
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 102161-17276
LABEL: 271
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Established as long ago as 1882, the Norwich Citadel Band are one of the Salvation Army's longest serving brass bands and this release finds the outfit, led by bandmaster Richard Woodrow, in fine form. Unswerving in their aim to proclaim Christ as Lord, this collection sees the title track and the stirring "Servants Of God" reference contemporary material such as "Ancient Of Days" and "King Of Kings, Majesty" respectively within their arrangements whilst the a trombone-led overhaul of Isaac Watts' "When I Survey" makes sure hymnal tastes are catered for. Refreshingly shying away from merely producing brass band versions of hymns and choruses, the band include more specialist works such as "Norwich Anthem" and Dudley Bright's epic "Confrontations" whilst cleverly including more recognisable pieces like the enduring "Fanfare For The Common Man" to appeal to a wider audience. Only a rather wooden attempt at injecting some verve into an old Sunday school stalwart in "Swing Hosanna" - complete with unfortunate pun - lets the side down but this is an otherwise enjoyable release from the skilful Norwich brass band.

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