The devil and the deep blue sea / Derek Bourgeois

by Williams Fairey Band
Nationals 1993 Winning Performance

[@thecoopers5936]

Stunning on the day. I remember it so well. Fairey's really were the bosses at the time. Can't believe it's 31 years ago!

[@freda124816]

And lucky me, I was there.. The most memorable test piece in my time. When I lived in London I went to the Nationals nearly every year. I'm now 83 and live in Wales within reach of Cory, arguably the current best band. My mate, Bob, (RIP, Old Chap) used to say you could always tell a good test piece if when you went to relieve yourself during the contest the ranks of band enthusiastic were humming, whistling, pom pom pomming a theme tune while attending to the needs of nature. This piece filled the bill perfectly...😊😊

[@bassboss007]

A truly remarkable period for this band with the Major at the helm. And the legendary Derek Jackson on BBb bass, the master of the dark art. He added so much colour to each performance with his noble sound and clever use of pedalnotes. The BBb tuba is often regarded as an instrument for less talented musicians. Derek showed how it's done, especially in this unique live recording at the Royal Albert Hall. I had the opportunity to be in the audience.

[@BourgeoisJohannes]

The best performance of one of the best compositions ever written (for brassband)!!!!! Greetings from belgium

[@davidlamb7524]

Beautiful . Very atmospheric.

[@Mark64W]

Thank you for this upload . In 1993 Fairey Band were without doubt the best band in the world .

[@TheSproutarian]

They sure were!

[@jasonjones3111]

Thank you, I've only just found these uploads. 👍

[@jasonjones3111]

When we had a band 👍

[@Jeremy-kf2zs]

Still blows my mind that this is a live recording.

[@alexanderblair9417]

I think this isPeter Parkes conducting with fine Fairey Band. What a great Fugue, probably one of the best written for brass band.

[@Mark64W]

It is indeed the Major . Just a few weeks after they wiped the floor at the British Open on Masquerade .

[@paulplier9682]

YESSSSSS ! William Fairey Band, Conductot Major Peter Parkes. CD: Double Champions