It was in 2005 when Elgar Howarth and Grimethorpe Colliery (UK Coal) Band set out to record a series of albums under the title ‘The History of Brass Band Music’. There are four albums each dedicated to a particular period giving us the Early Years, the Modern Era, Classical Arrangements and Musical Adventures, each giving us an insight into what that most knowledgeable of conductors thought best represented that genre.

Elgar said that he wanted the ‘Classical Arrangements’ CD to show how, in the hands of skilled writers, original scores can be transformed into a new form that can both surprise and delight and it’s a track from this we’re featuring.

James Fountain makes a welcome return to banding from his principal trumpet seat at the London Philharmonic Orchestra playing ‘From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific’, a real cornet classic, and in contrast the French tenor horn player Anthony Galinier takes his instrument into unchartered waters alongside an accordion, piano and strings, which is not to be missed.

Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue almost didn’t get written, but luckily for us all he did eventually get the time to finish it, and we get to hear all the famous moments in a brilliant transcription played by The Band of Central Florida."