USA East Music NYSB BULLETIN - SUMMER 2018 | Page 5

“Endless Power” CD Review
Craig Lewis, Territorial Secretary for Music & Gospel Arts, Canada & Bermuda
Endless Power—this is an apt name for the
latest recording by the New York Staff Band.
Not only is this theme well represented in
much of the repertoire, but it equally applies
to the impressive sound and technique of
the band. We have long come to expect the
NYSB to be at the forefront of innovative
programming and repertoire selection, so I
was keen to receive this recording; the first
under the baton of Bandmaster Derek Lance.
I can say without hesitation that this is one
of the finest Salvation Army band recordings
to be produced in recent memory. Let me
explain why I make this bold pronouncement.
Presentation and Sound
The very first thing you notice about this
recording is the striking artwork. The
dichromatic use of red and black throughout
the entire booklet is very powerful and
underscores the strong Christian message
contained within the music. This is also the
first recording from the NYSB’s new state of
the art bandroom studio, and the clarity and
transparency in the sound is second to none.
Recording Engineer Phil Bulla has done an
excellent job of ensuring that every voicing
is heard in balance, including some of the
subterranean notes from the BBb Bass.
Repertoire
This recording is comprised of all new
music, including the winner of the NYSB’s
Composition Contest, so on the first listen
through there are no pre-conceived notions
on how pieces should sound. Without
your ears being constrained by previous
interpretations, you are able to sit with an
open mind and assess each piece on its own
merit. Fortunately on this recording, there are
no pieces that are riding on the coattails of
the others. Every piece rightfully deserves
to be here. I suspect that I am not alone in
enjoying band pieces that are built around
good solid tunes, especially some of the great
hymns of the church, and on this recording
they are present in abundance.
There are three pieces that could be excellent
openers in their own right. Semper Fidelis (Martin
Cordner) wins the spot on this recording, but
Living Power (Tom Davoren) and Thy Matchless
King (Joel Collier) are equal in their energy and
driving rhythms and will be put to good use
T H E S A LVAT I O N A R M Y U S A E A S T
as an opener by many
bands in the days ahead.
For those who look
for the latest ‘big’ piece
on a new staff band
recording, there are three
excellent items on offer
here. The first, Fearless
(Andrew Wainwright)
was the winner of the
NYSB Competition
Contest, and it is clear to
see why. The haunting
reference to “those who
speak be fearless, those
who serve be blameless”
throughout underscores
the message for
the Christian that
is contained in the
music. Andrew has
been writing some
very popular numbers,
but with Fearless he seems to have taken his
composing to another level. Martin Cordner’s
second contribution to the CD, Wake Up The
Saint, further demonstrates what he does so well;
help the listener visualize the story being told in
the music. The use of chanting to represent the
voices of the saints is a unique tool he employs
with great effect. The title track, Endless Power,
is a substantial work from Marcus Venables that
was written specifically for this recording. This
work has a very Steadman-Allen-esque feel to
it. Having an intimate knowledge of the players
in the band, Marcus has created a work that
tests the limits of the players, while still allowing
the message to come through clear and plain.
While the band enthusiasts will enjoy this for its
technicality, the use of strong tunes makes this
accessible for the average listener as well.
For me, the genius in this recording is actually
the pacing. The program has a wonderful ebb
and flow that gives you energy and power,
contrasted with the gentleness and reflection
of some more meditative items. The simplicity
of Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Jonathan Rowsell),
the warmth of Radiance (Andrew Garcia), the
sheer beauty of The Christ of Calvary (Joel Collier),
and the majestic building of Beside the Sea
(Andrew Mackereth) all provide room and space
to relax, breathe and revel in the message of
the music.
Musicianship and Virtuosity
From a musical standpoint, there are few
Salvation Army bands that could cope
with all the demands presented in the
repertoire on this recording. From extremes
of technique, to musical shapes and phrases,
the NYSB handles it all with aplomb. This
is perhaps most clearly demonstrated
in the solo items. In Streamlined (Marcus
Venables), cornetists Brindley Venables and
Major Stewart Dalrymple show technique
and range provides no challenge for them.
Soprano soloist Christopher Ward, who can
be heard throughout the recording providing
power and brilliance, plays a version of Pie
Jesu (Gabriel Faure arr. Dorothy Gates) that
highlights his sensitivity and control.
There you have it; all the reasons why
this recording is a must for your personal
collection. This is an exciting first collaboration
between BM Lance and the NYSB, and it
clearly shows that the band will continue
to grow from strength to strength and be a
trendsetter in Salvation Army banding.
Purchase Digitally: https://store.cdbaby.
com/cd/newyorkstaffband14
Purchase Hard Copy: http://music.
saconnects.org/product/endless-power/
SUMMER 2018   NYSB BULLETIN   ‡   5