This was a curious afternoon spent in the company of the NASUWT (National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers) Riverside Brass Band, accompanied by local band Field Music at Sunderland venue The Fire Station. Why curious? Well, firstly I am not really a fan of brass band music, and afternoon performances are few and far between (at least, for me). But, this sounded interesting, was literally just down the road, and also gave me the opportunity to witness Field Music live, something I have been meaning to do for some time.
Firstly, a short explanation about the brass band: “The NASUWT Riverside band was founded in 1877 and was formerly known as the Newcastle Brown Ale Band. The band rehearses in Pelton Fell, Chester-le-Street and has an active diary of concerts and contests. This includes recently placing 4th out of 18 bands in the Senior Cup competition in Blackpool, a result which sees their promotion to the Grand Shield for 2017.
The band also competes regularly in the Scottish Open Contest as well as the North of England Regional contest in which they frequently place in the top of the table and result in trips to the National Finals at the Albert Hall.” (From Northern Regional Brass Band Trust site). Just like the band in the film Brassed Off (a great film about a local band who reach the finals of a national brass band competition and go to perform at the Albert Hall; you must see it if you have not already done so).
As an aside, I have very pleasant memories of going birdwatching at Pelton Fell as a child with my parents in the 1960s. They had a lot of crows, hawks, magpies and jackdaws nesting in the area and it was fascinating to go and photograph the birds on my Box Brownie camera. I must try and find the photographs. I am sure I will have them stored away somewhere. Anyway enough of my reminiscences, let’s get back to music. (Lovely picture courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
I said above I have been meaning to go to see Field Music for some time. They are a local band from Sunderland that formed in 2004. They have been described as “indie rock” and “art rock”: an interesting mix. The band’s core consists of brothers David Brewis and Peter Brewis. I met David and Peter some years ago at another local venue The Bunker and we chatted about our experiences of music in Sunderland. The collaboration with the Riverside Band is very recent and has resulted in the release of an album, of which I have purchased a copy (pictured).
“For this year’s Record Store Day, we’re releasing a brand new LP, Binding Time – 10 songs written and arranged for a 7-piece brass section from the NASUWT Riverside Band. The songs were originally written as part of Durham Brass festival, and inspired by Redhills, the home of the Durham Miners Association. So, if you’re keen to hear some songs about murder, methodism and running away from home to get rat-arsed with Oliver Reed, bedecked in cornets and euphoniums, get yourself along to your favourite record shop on 20th April.” (From Field Music site)
Chris and I turned up just before the start time of 3 PM so that I could get a swift drink and then we took our seats close to the stage. The first half of the performance was a selection of brass band “classics” some of which were familiar to us and others less so. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this music. It is the first time that I have actually sat down and focused on listening to a brass band. Towards the end of the section, the Brewis brothers joined the band, one playing guitar and singing and the other playing a lovely double bass and also adding vocals. They played two songs from the (then) upcoming album, which were also a pleasant surprise.
After a short break, the second half of the performance focused upon more brass band music including renditions of well-known tunes such as “76 Trombones”. I found it good fun actually. Not quite rock music, but nonetheless equally enjoyable. I also enjoyed seeing Field Music and I must catch up with them again and witness a full performance of their music. So, both Chris and I agreed that this was an enjoyable Sunday afternoon experience. We walked home from The Fire Station, cutting through The Bridges shopping centre. Many thanks to Chris the photographer and Jan the site navigator.
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