Leader’s fanfare CD for youth band

A BANDMASTER is paying tribute to his musicians — by producing a CD in their honour.

Brian Lamb’s ambitious project is underpinned by John Lees, one of the founding members of Barclay James Harvest, who is supervising the recording at St Thomas’s Church at Heights, near Delph.

“Salute” will feature 15 tracks and solos by Dobcross Youth Band.

Brian, who was appointed musical director less than a year, ago came up with the idea to mark a staging post in the musicians’ lives.

He explained: “We have some talented players who have been with the band for many years.

“They have helped us to win many awards and, before they moved up the banding ladder, I thought it would be an idea to capture that talent on a CD.

“There is a wide choice of music on the album and it gives them a chance to celebrate their diversity. The music is inspirational and well as having nostalgic connotations for many of the members.

“Using St Thomas’s for the recording has added a new dimension. The church is a spectacular setting for studio.”

The band’s secretary, Jenny Wood, said: “Our young bandfolk are on the move. Dobcross is never a static band. The musicians move on and grow their careers.

“We last did a recording eight years ago on tapes.

“The idea of them having their own CD album to remember the happy times with us is a brilliant idea.

“And we are certainly hopeful the sale of the album will help boost the bands funds,” she added. The album is expected to go on sale later this year.