“A Call to Rescue” is a stirring brass band composition inspired by a nautical theme and to the bravery and selflessness of the RNLI. Originally premiered by the Ratby Co-Operative Band, it has since become a fixture at their annual RNLI concert. The piece has also been performed by Eccles Brass Band under the direction of Mareika Gray.
A Trilogy of Compositions - dedicated to the RNLI
The piece was composed with the intention of helping listeners reflect on past events, that are personal to each and every one of us.
Dedicated to Matthew Hollingworth for his courage, determination and positivity, 'Forward Through Adversity'.
Reflections of War for Brass Band sounds like a deeply evocative and poignant composition. The title suggests that the piece explores the emotional and historical consequences of war, which would offer a powerful narrative arc through music.
Starting with the Last Post, which is often associated with remembrance and honoring fallen soldiers, sets a somber and reflective tone for the piece. The use of The Last Post can create an immediate emotional connection, reminding listeners of the sacrifice and loss that war brings. Moving retrospectively through the piece, transitioning from the solemnity of this traditional bugle call to the first papers of conscription, would allow the music to explore the various stages of war, from its devastating aftermath back to its causes and the process of recruitment.
In terms of musical structure, this backward journey could involve contrasting themes or musical motifs representing different emotions—grief, hope, fear, and possibly even moments of heroism or tension—reflecting the complexity of war and its effects. The brass band, with its wide range of tonal possibilities, could highlight these shifting emotions effectively.
The Great Central Express
Written for the Ratby Co-operative Brass Band for a concert at The Great Central Railway, Quorn. June 2025.
fanfare and fugue for brass
This piece of music is dedicated to Chris Jeans, an acclaimed British trombonist, conductor, and educator, celebrated for his work with leading brass bands including Grimethorpe Colliery and Black Dyke Mills.
This composition is based on travellers from afar as they make their way to medieval towns, journeying on foot or horseback through the cold and unforgiving winter landscape. In time, the fair arrives — a vibrant gathering of acrobats, jugglers, and entertainers of the theatre. Fortune tellers, mystics, magicians, and storytellers captivate the crowds with their art, while merchants offer goods from across Europe and distant lands. After several days of colour, sound, and celebration, the fair draws to a close, and the people disperse once more to their homelands, carrying with them memories of festivity and wonder.
This brass band composition, written in the autumn of 2022, originally performed by Youth Brass 2000. Reflects on the long ocean crossing from England to America. Driving tidal currents surge towards the English coastline as the outbound ship sets sail, forging ahead through the harsh winter of the desolate Atlantic. Midway through the voyage, the seas calm and wandering albatross circle gracefully above, accompanying the vessel along the great ocean routes towards distant shores. The work concludes with the ship’s safe arrival and the sense of new beginnings as it docks in the New World.
These movements draw their inspiration from the sea and maritime themes, making the piece an excellent addition to any brass band programme, particularly for a concert with a nautical or sea-based theme.
The music starts with the ship bell sounding and the morse code signal being sent out for help and the fog horns blasting. The storm comes into action as the ship is tossed in the waves, as the RNLI boat comes out to sea to rescue the passengers. The piece then moves into the famous British hymn; Eternal Father, Strong to Save. After the storm resides and the sea calms, the passengers are taken aboard and sail back to the safety of land.
