In addition to his many ‘serious’works Otto M. Schwarz has had much success with several lighter works such as Band Fever Funk Attack and Groovin’ Around. His new seriously funky piece Funky Brass makes a perfect addition to the light brass band repertoire.

'The Alchymist's Journal' gets its title from the book of the same name by American author Evan S. Connell. The book fictionalises a number of famous Alchemist’s writings each one developing another's thoughts thus continuing one idea but changing it subtly to provide a new view point or way of thinking. This process is in fact alchemical as one idea transmutes into another. This idea is parallel to the processes at work within these variants. The whole work is constructed from 6 notes (C A B flat E flat F sharp E) and is presented in nine different sections each individual in mood but still based upon the original pitches. This is not a thematic set ofvariations as the themes are developed one at a time from small segments of the six notes. For example the opening theme is the complete number of pitches the second theme uses three notes transposed then repeated at the original level and so on. Harmonically the six notes can be divided into two triads A minor and E flat minor – each key beginning and ending the piece respectively. Whilst this is essentially abstract music with no programme there is an introduction menacing scherzo slow reflective section followed by a recap of the scherzo and final coda. 'The Alchymist’s Journal' was commissioned by the Brass Band Heritage Trust at the suggestion of Paul Hindmarsh to whom the work is dedicated.

The rock ballad Just for Friends is a gem for the conductor and the band. A marvellous number that allows the bandleader to show off the qualities of various solo-instruments.

Ready - Steady - Brass! sinscrit dans la lignée des compositions pour brass band dOtto M. Schwarz tout comme Last Call Funky Winds Glory Fanfare et Groove Machine. Une ouverture en fanfare et des parties mélodiquesdélicieuses donnent à cette oeuvre une forte envie dêtre interprétée. à vos marques prêts...

A tranquil setting of the song O Little Town of Bethlehem interspersed with references to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

A euphonium solo based on a Norwegian tune Stille stund. Een euphonium solo gebaseerd op een Noors volksliedje Stille Stund.

Composer and trombone player Gilbert Tinner wrote this original piece to reflect his passion for rhythm and brass instruments.

as performed by Earth Wind & Fire-In the Stone is an entirely appropriate title for this song from pop legends Earth Wind & Fire whose funky tunes characterised the disco era like no other artist. In the Stone is a lively brass band arrangement that maintains the soulful character of the original record which featured exciting saxophone trumpet and trombone parts.

Sketches from Nowhere is the second composition that Thomas Doss has written for brass band. The title was inspired by various images the composer saw in his mind’s eye while working on this piece: pictures of foreign places; pictures of the creationof our world. The main motif that weaves its way from the beginning to the end of the work is meant to parallel humanity’s great evolution: from its humble beginnings as mere stardust to the present day.

Gilbert Tinner has written another sure fire winner with this catchy new work in a relaxed musical style.The sound of the piece with it’s simple musical lines dissonant harmonies and driving beat is in a pop style but could equally have come straight from a west-end musical. Sound Goes Round will make a delightful light interlude for any concert.

In Cartoon Classics Andrew Duncan has brought together four classic cartoon themes in one medley that will be a sure-fire hit with audiences everywhere. It features the Looney Tunes Theme (Merrily We Roll Along) The Pink Panther The Flintstones and The Simpsons. Brass Band Grade 4: Advanced Youth and 3rd Section Duration: 4 minutes