OBSERVER: Advent Brass Band
What an amazing afternoon of big band music at Hamer Hall. The one hundred year celebration of Advent Brass Band had everything including aerials, tap dancing, amazing soloists, inspiring duets , comedy, visuals along with three plus hours of music, ranging from the Flinstones theme song to musical theatre to gospel.
There were many warm, humorous moments in this show, not surprisingly with this very family oriented band.
Everyone seemed at ease, eager to ‘joke’ around with the audience and themselves making for a relaxed atmosphere. Much of this was due to the easy manner of the amazing guest artist James Morrison, who gave generously with so many numbers played on various instruments, along with some very clever banter. His son William Morrison also made a musical appearance with guitar and vocals.
A highlight of the afternoon was the recorded interview with inspiring one hundred year old pianist Romney King, to be surpassed immediately with him playing live- Beethoven, then performing an impromptu duet with James Morrison.
It was an amazing opportunity to grasp how ageless music is with artists in this band ranging from nine to one hundred, yet working together in a way that made age irrelevant.
Advent Brass Band under conductor Reynold W.B.Gilson with various members arranging the music gave a number of ‘wow’ moments.
Most of the music was familiar, arrangements including music such as The Impossible Dream, Sway, I Got Rhythm, Singing In The Rain , Amazing Grace, Batman theme to mention just a few. Something for all generations to appreciate. Singers Helena McKee, Walter Saluni, Tim Jaques, also musicians, sang beautiful solos plus wonderful heartfelt duets.
Wayne Boehm was a warm, entertaining MC.
Thankyou Advent Brass Band, Romney King, James Morrison, Helena McKee and all other 36-plus artists for this once in a lifetime musical theatre feast.
It was such a privilege to hear this talent, to be a part of this one centennial celebration.
Review by Elizabeth Semmel