Reviewed by Theo Bowyer

A landmark recording in the history of Black Dyke Band, being the 10th in a series that started in 1994. Amazingly, the brass band pioneers have been in existence for over 150 years! This album takes you on a musical journey and if I close my eyes I can imagine the beautiful sounds floating into the glorious acoustics at the Royal Albert Hall. Here we have such items as the stirring hymn, "Praise My Soul" by composer and organist, Sir John Goss while the opening five movements of the "Cornish Dance" build to a major crescendo with the introduction of the timpani. The journey takes another turn with the love story like, "Only For You" by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, considered one of the hottest young composing talents of his generation. The opening fanfare to "Home Of Legends" could have been lifted straight from a Robin Hood movie such is its call to arms and the boy in me wants to don his green attire, make a bow and arrow and run into the nearest woods! All in all a rousing rendition of some wonderfully crafted music.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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