We're delighted to be back as part of the hugely popular Bands in the Park summer season. This year we'll be at Evesham Abbey Park. Bring a chair and (hopefully!) some sunscreen, grab an ice cream, and enjoy the music!
Here's what the reviewers had to say about 2017's gig (via Bands in the Park review )
Sunday 28th May – Prior to the Concert 1 minute silence was held in recognition and respect for those who had lost their lives or been injured in the recent Manchester bombing atrocity after which Royal Spa Brass fittingly began with a subdued piece entitled ‘Highland Cathedral’, originally written by Howard Lorriman for performance at the 2003 Gala Concert, which followed the National Brass Band Championships. In absolute contrast the band preceded on with ‘The Muppet Show’ cartoon piece and then a stimulating performance of the ‘1914 March’. Alan Menkin’s ‘Beauty & The Beast’ followed and afterwards a ‘’Dixieland’ style arrangement, I believe by Dennis Armitage of ‘Down By The Riverside’ which certainly had everyone’s feet tapping. Referring to the musical achievements of the late David Bowie and the dilemma of selecting a piece to play from his many memorable works it had unanimously been decided to include ’Life on Mars’
Following on afterwards came Freddie Mercury’s ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ originally performed by the rock band Queen in 1979 …A fine rendition of one of Kenneth Alford’s celebrated marches ‘The Standard of St George’ followed next before a ‘quintet’ from within the band was featured performing two short pieces, one of which was a Glenn Miller big band classic ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’ The first half concluded with a very impressive confident performance of the Eric Coates ‘Dambusters March’
Another well chosen selection of music made up the 2nd half which the band confidently opened with a lively instrumental version of the ‘Floral Dance’ an old English song written originally to describe the annual Furry Dance held in Helston, Cornwall. A relaxing rendition of music from ‘The Lion King’ the well-liked Elton John classic came up next prior to what was described as one of the most memorable Eurovision Contest wins of all time Abba’s ‘Take A Chance’ which led the way to a steady stream of other popular band favourites ‘Summer Nights’ from Grease, John Williams’s ‘Raiders March’, film music from Disney's Pocahontas in the form of ‘Colours of the Wind’ plus the exciting music from ‘Pirates of The Caribbean’
The afternoon continued with the theme to the BBC TV football programme ‘Match of the Day’ composed by R Stroller before moving on to the 1980 Madness Hit ’Baggy Trousers’ and finally concluding with a great sing-along style arrangement of traditional tunes with a modern beat entitled ‘Best Of British’ which we believed to be a Derek Ashmore arrangement
Plenty of well-liked pieces today, which brought forth lots of appreciative comments for a ‘fine’ band that once again, had provided excellent entertainment.. An enjoyable afternoon’s listening, thank you Royal Spa Brass .. Well done!
Image credit: Flickuser João Campos under Creative Commons