Penlee

To some the tragic story of the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Browne would need no introduction and to some the pain felt is still very much a reality. The composer born just a few weeks before that fateful night on the 19th December 1981 has created this work as a musical homage to the bravery of the souls who lost their lives and has dedicated it to their memory. Penlee was commissioned by the Cornwall Youth Brass Band using funds bequeathed by Michael Pickett. The first performance was given by the Cornish Youth Brass Band conducted by Ian Porthouse at St. Michael’s Church Newquay on 30th December 2008. Penleehas been voted into the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2011 at No.106. Not only is it the first time a brass work has been featured in the Hall of Fame but it was also the highest new entry. The work has subsequently been recorded by the Leyland Band conducted by Jason Katsikaris on the CD entitled Penlee .Brass Band Grade 4: Advanced Youth and 3rd Section Duration: 13 minutes

Autumn’s Elegy is a consortium commission in celebration of the 75th birthday of the distinguished wind band conductor Timothy Reynish. The music derives from a youthful symphony written when Hesketh was 16 the same source as his popular Masque. Full of big tunes and bitter-sweet harmonies Autumn’s Elegy is a heartfelt thank you to a conductor who has done more than most to widen the vision of the wind orchestra movement.Brass Band Grade 5: 1st Section. Duration: 7 minutes. Autunm's Elegy has been recorded by the Leyland Band conductedby Jason Katsikaris and is available on the CD Penlee. 

Originally commissioned as the set test piece for Section B of the 2007 European Brass Band Championships The Drop was re-worked and extended as The Drop: Remixed for Leyland Band to perform at the 2008 RNCM Festival of Brass in Manchester. Ideal as a First Section brass band test piece The Drop: Remixed contains much tuneful and dance-based music and finishes with a massive drum ‘n ‘bass-inspired ending.Brass Band Grade 5: 1st Section Duration: 12 minutes The work has subsequently been recorded by the Leyland Band conducted by Jason Katsikaris an is on the CD entitled Penlee . 

The Dreaded Groove and Hook is an up-tempo acid-jazz number that draws inspiration from bands like Jamiroquai and The Youngblood Brass Band. The groove in question is the main tune that is shared round the band whilst the hook in ‘pop’ terms is the catchy bit of the song. The whole band joins in to play a huge ‘riff’ that acts as a chorus to the jazz-like verses. The piece was commissioned by Jason Katsikaris and The Leyland Band who gave the first performance as part of their programme for the Brass In Concert Championships held at The Sage Gateshead on the 16th November 2008. The work has subsequently recorded by thesame band and conductor on the CD entitled Penlee . Brass Band Grade 5: 1st Section   Duration: 4 minutes

Autumn’s Elegy is a consortium commission in celebration of the 75th birthday of the distinguished wind band conductor Timothy Reynish. The music derives from a youthful symphony written when Hesketh was 16 the same source as his popular Masque. Full of big tunes and bitter-sweet harmonies Autumn’s Elegy is a heartfelt thank you to a conductor who has done more than most to widen the vision of the wind orchestra movement. Brass Band Grade 5: 1st Section Duration: 7 minutes. Autumn's Elegy has been recorded by the Leyland Band conducted by Jason Katsikaris and is available on the CDPenlee.

Infernal Ride is mercurial and virtuosic reflecting the mad-cap chase of Ichabod Crane’s final ride on his horse Gunpowder in the story by Washington Irving namely The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Often an atmosphere of driven fear pushes the music forward only briefly stopping for breath. The work closes with flourishes in rapid succession perhaps with the hapless Ichabod meeting his unfortunate end! Brass Band Grade 5: 1st Section Duration: 7 minutes.Infernal Ride has been recorded by the Leyland Band conducted by Jason Katsikaris and is available on the CDPenlee.