WE had two or three firsts in this concert. It was the first time in the 64 years of these presentations that an all-female band had appeared as guests of the all-male Brighouse and Rastrick on Saturday.
It was almost certainly the first time the guest band had put on show a piano accordion soloist (Mairi Addy) who plays trombone with the band, and also another of their number, Joanne Bird (another trombonist) who showed what can be played on a humble recorder. Her choice was Grandfather’s Clock with the traditional variations.
Boobs and Brass hails from the Midlands and was formed two years ago to raise funds for two very special charities, and to date the band has hit £25,000. Members come from all parts of the country and pay their own expenses.
Alan Morrison directed B & R with Jonathan Mott conducting the guests whose programme was introduced by Carolyn Oldershaw.
Almost all the items had a female theme with such offerings as Marche Lorraine, Ruby Tuesday, Eleanor Rigby and Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair (euphonium soloist Michael Howley).
Boobs and Brass showed some nice work in their solo band items, with the hymn tune Crimond showing well before the ladies turned on their style in Breezin’ Down Broadway.
Brighouse and Rastrick included the demanding overture, Russlan and Ludmilla, together with Bab Yaga and Great Gate of Kiev, with the massed bands bringing the evening to a thunderous conclusion with the stirring Elsa’s Procession to the Minster.
Without doubt this was an evening for the ladies to remember.
