Simon Dobson and Kenneth Hesketh first came into contact as teacher and student at the Royal College of Music.This Faber-produced CD fittingly brings them together in both a showcase of their music, as well as a celebration of the pioneering musical spirit generated by the all too short-lived relationship between Leyland and its erstwhile MD, Jason Katsikaris.
There are impressive contributions from both composers, with the highlights of Simon Dobson's music being Penlee and Lyonesse. Both are substantial programmatic works of vivid imagination which, although written for youth band, show no hint of 'writing down' and demonstrate a creative mind that, whilst searching and at times strikingly original, is also very much at home with the 'major' brass band piece medium.
Kenneth Hesketh's work ranges from the light-hearted antics of Whirlegigg to the more serious fare of Elegy, a Shostakovich-tinged slow movement from a youthful symphony and the virtuosic Infernal Ride, a breathless, adrenalin-fuelled representation of Ichabod Crane's final horse ride from 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'.
The synergy evident in Leyland's evolving performance of the programme is palpable, whilst the undisclosed bonus track of Phillip Littlemore's beautfully glowing arrangement of Morten Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium, almost serves as a requiem to the subsequent parting of band and conductor. A disc not to be missed. *****
Christopher Thomas, Brass Band World Magazine
The emotional farewell of Jason Katsikaris's short but frutiful partnership with the Leyland Band took place at the RNCM Festival of Brass in January 2010. It was also the occasion of the launch of the only CD collaboration between the two of them, and what a cracking album it is too. It is the third time that Faber Music has used the band to feature their music and why not - they have mutual objectives in prjecting innovation and quality.
The whole programme - with one exception and more of that later - is from the pens of Simon Dobson and Kenneth Heskth. Dobson is young, creative and has a huge interest in brass bands. His music always takes the brass band on a slightly new journey. His is not orthodox, and challenges the listener, although his music is often programmatic. Tow of his three substantial works on this CD fall into this category. Lyonesse is the title of a legendary sunken land between the tip of Lands End and the Scilly Isles. Dobson is Cornish so no surprises for his theme which he continues with the title track, Penlee, this being the composer's tribute to the loss of the lifeboat Solomon Browne, in 1981. Striking as these two pieces are, it is The Drop: Remixed that holds the most fascination paying homage to an art form - Drum 'n' Bass - and effectively using real LP vinyl crackle in the opening passages.
In comparison, Hesketh is not a brass bander but a very successful mainstream composer who has also written for wind band. His four contributions are shortish and very suitable for concert use. I was very taken by his Infernal Ride, reflecting Ichabod Crane's final ride on his horsem Gunpowder. There is also the pwerful, moving and rather gorgeous Elegy, adapted from an opening movement of one of Hesketh's symphonies and his contribution is completed with Festive Overture and Whirlegigg.
With excellent booklet notes and a production team of Paul Hindmarsh, Phillip Littlemore and Mike Skeet (ex BBC) and a band on fine form this really is a CD to treasure. Whoops! Almost forgot. Your player will show 10 tracks with only nine listed in the booklet. An encore and the last piece the band and conductor performed live. A real gem - Morten Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium arranged by Phillip Littlemore. Beautifully shaped, very moving and elegantly delivered. A small masterpiece.
Jason Katsikaris made a lasting impression on the British brass band scene. This CD is a permanent reminder.
Tim Mutum, The Listening Post