This version of the lovely Pie Jesu from John Rutter's "Requiem" should provide that quiet moment in band programmes so often difficult to fill with quality music.

As one would expect, this beautiful music is thinly scored, particularly at the beginning, which means that all the soloists have to be at their lyrical best. Solo horn opens and is followed by solo cornet and then soprano. The music moves serenely on with basses, euphonium, trombone and flugel, adding warmth to the mixture, before gradually being joined by the remaining full band finishing quietly.

With so much quiet slow playing, the obvious problems of intonation are of paramount importance, especially in the soprano/solo cornet octaves, which are evident on a number of occasions. Nevertheless, with a little work this piece should be playable by most grades of band.

John Maines - British Bandsman 15th June 2002

Otherwise known as the "Prayer Of St. Francis" this is a nice alternative to the usual hymn tune that you may put on a concert programme. Accessible to any band.

Music Exchange Pick Of The Month - April 2002

This is a fine arrangement of the popular Prayer Of St. Francis, now commonly used as a hymn. Whilst retaining the qualities if the original, it also shows a commonsense approach to the use of the band and, where called for, the right solo instruments. As it has become so popular, it can be used in concert programmes. The score is very readable, as are the parts. I recommend it.

Laurence W Harries  -  British Bandsman 8th February 2003

An easy arrangement of the traditional Japanese song. A beautiful melody that will fit nicely into any concert programme.

Music Exchange Pick Of The Month - April 2002

An easy arrangement from Ian Lamb starts with the well known tune of "Dixie". We then move on to "Weeping Sad And Lonely" which Ian has arranged as a Trombone Solo. Finally we are back to the march style of the "Battle Hymn Of The Republic". Although the piece as a whole has been arranged in three movements, each movement could be used as a little programme filler.

Music Exchange Pick Of The Month - April 2002

Jazzcat is short in duration, just 65 bars, but is a sheer delight for both performers and listeners alike. A quiet swinging and catchy rhythmic opening section leads to the first bouncy statement by the horn section, with a driving response from cornets and trombone. Later, an energetic tutti section is suitable interspersed by single bar interjections from the solo cornet, flugel horn and solo tenor horn.

This music is not too difficult for bands of limited ability, but it will take mature ensembles to truly capture its essential rhythmic style. An excellent contrasting programme item.

C. Brian Buckley - British Bandsman 31st August 2002

Another new release from MMI Music is this up-tempo, bubbly number from the pen of Jeff Evans. Cornets, trombones and percussion provide a bright opening with the top end of the band playing driving syncopated sounds, and trombones and percussion a fanfare-like figure.

The tempo is marked crotchet = 160, so everyone will have to be on their toes, particularly in some of the after beat quaver rhythms required from basses and back row cornets.

The music bounces along nicely, before slowing considerably for a short 16-bar bridge featuring euphonium, then flugel in a more lyrical version of the main theme, this time accompanied by trombones, horns and shimmering muted cornet tremolandos.

The piece once again returns to the fast syncopated rhythms of earlier and moves on to a rousing ending.

This is a highly entertaining piece from Jeff Evans and will prove popular with bands and audiences alike. It's the sort of piece that will be enjoyable to play, with everyone occupied. Technically, it's not too demanding and, with just the occasional top B and C (with optional octaves), most grades of band should find the piece playable.

John Maines - British Bandsman 26th April 2003

Since the arrival of Riverdance, the massive upsurge of Irish music, as far as bands are concerned, has opened the gates for arrangers and composers to produce a complete repertoire of Celtic music. On this occasion Claire Pownall brings her talented contribution to this genre, courtesy of MMI Music. Toss the Feathers is, in fact, a medley of two traditional tunes from the Emerald Isle, starting with the lovely lilting melody of Lough Erin Shore set as a flugel solo accompanied by two horns, euphonium and Eb Bass. The flugel continues with the melody and the accompaniments are augmented by percussion, Bb Bass and rest of the middle band. After a full band verse and a growing rhythmic bridge passage, the music bursts into the now obligatory Celtic drum rhythms to introduce the reel, Toss the Feathers. Beginning as an unaccompanied cornet solo, this popular reel is gradually joined by the various sections of the band along the way. As one would expect, the music builds to an exciting full band sound and, after a temporary subsidence to a smaller accompaniment, once again expands to a fortissimo finale.

This arrangement will be accessible to most grades of band, although the jig will require some nifty cornet and euphonium playing. However, there are no accidentals and the range never exceeds top 'A' so, with a little work, this piece should sound presentable.

John Maines - British Bandsman 7th June 2003

I first came across this arrangement at a concert by Tilbury Band in which I was guest soloist. It took my attention because I noticed that the band were obviously enjoying playing the piece which in turn communicated to the audience who gave it a rapturous reception.

The arrangement is upbeat and lively with a few jazz riffs borrowed from "Sing, Sing, Sing!" and is guaranteed to have the foot tapping furiously. Playable by most bands, this will liven up any contest. The score and parts are very clear and well presented.

Alan Morrison January 2004

Jon Bennett has a knack of producing lively, busy arrangements that still allow the lead lines prominence and successfully grab the audiences attention. 42nd Street is the title track of a Harry Warren musical and this arrangement is a swing style version that requires the Soprano to jazz but is well within the reach of all standards of bands.

Another guaranteed to have the hall swinging, the fragmented lines give all sections of the band something of interest and the sheet music is clearly printed and well presented.

Alan Morrison January 2004

Set as a relaxed Beguine this accessible arrangement of the easy listening classic combines a flowing melody with some effective jazz obligato's that will be a successful addition to any soloists repertoire. This short, well scored arrangement ends with a couple of cadenza like bars that, although in tempo, effectively brings a very listenable tune to a successful conclusion.

The score and parts are very clear and well presented.

Alan Morrison January 2004

A long overdue re-working of the Don Phillips original that must have been played by most cornet/trumpet players at some point in their careers. This arrangement is scored for double duet and features some effective variations and a triplet cadenza to close.

The Bossa Nova tempo will have feet tapping and the solo lines are easily accessible for all standards. A welcome addition to the duet repertoire which has long been neglected.

Alan Morrison January 2004

This piece written by David Hellewell and arranged by Nigel Hall is a must for any trombone player that is comfortable in the higher register.

The melody will go down well with any audience and show off the talents of any soloist. The accompaniment is written sympathetically and effectively and the score and parts are clear and uncluttered. Cornets do tend to drown the trombone in the higher register and this has been taken into account in this arrangement.

I would suggest this is a worthy alternative to All I ask of You or the ballads arranged by Bill Geldard for Trombone. A delightful piece and well worth playing.

Brett Baker May 2005

This piece will work in a variety of concert situations and shows off the soloist in many guises. A composition for trombone players who are comfortable in the high register and are technically proficient. 

 It starts in a relaxed blues style has a lyrical middle section and builds to a dramatic and triumphant close. It is a challenging accompaniment but possible by most brass bands. 

A live recording of this work performed by Brett Baker and Jackfield Elcock Reisen Band is available on the CD “Excursions”

Brett Baker May 2005