Long-time followers of the CSB will appreciate a brand new compilation album entitled Canadian Staff Band: The First Ten Years. The 2-CD set features music recorded by the band from 1969 to 1979, in original performances conducted by then bandmasters Major Norman Bearcroft and Captain Robert Redhead.
Tracks are taken from nine LPs released during this time, including The Gospel Train (1970), Golden Slippers (1971), Salute to Montreal (1972), The Sound of Britain (1974), Logos (1975), The Newfoundlanders (1976), New Horizons (1977), The Sound of the Gospel (1978) and Tour of Europe (1979).
The original recordings have all been digitally remastered and offer a clean, crisp sound without any of the typical background noise often associated with LP record albums of days gone by. Listeners will be able to enjoy a wide variety of music including many original works written for and premiered by the Canadian Staff Band in its first decade of ministry.
Included are such timeless classics as Bearcroft’s Just Like John, Songs of Newfoundland and The Sound of Britain, as well as Redhead’s Here they Come! (songs from the musical Glory!)and Quintessence. Other music by these two composers features the band’s soloists, including Deryck Diffey (Golden Slippers), Robert Merritt, (The Word of Grace, New Horizons), Art Dean (The Call of Christ) and Curtis Metcalf (Euphony). In addition, Major Bill Brown is heard in Ray Bowes; euphonium solo Song of Triumph, and the original cornet quartet of Deryck Diffey, Art Dean, Bob Peterson and Gary Dean is heard in Bearcroft’s Joyous Proclamation.
Other tracks include Bearcroft’s two suites of spirituals, written in 1969 and 1975 respectively, two classic street marches – Montreal Citadel and Victors Acclaimed – and Kenneth Downie’s Through the Blood of the Lamb. Canadian composer Morley Calvert is represented by his timeless gems Canadian Folk Song Suite and My All Is On the Altar.
Current Staff Bandmaster John Lam writes: “On the occasion of the Canadian Staff Band’s 40th anniversary, we are thrilled to offer this collection of remastered pieces that constitute time-tested favourites, many of which are from the pens of our first two bandmasters. We hope this trip down memory lane not only blesses and entertains those who witnessed some of the first performances of this music, but also inspires a younger generation of players and composers as we all continue to serve our Lord through the gift of music.”
A bargain at only $20 CAD, this recording is a must-have for any serious CSB collector. Visit The Salvation Army's Supplies and Purchasing to order your copy today.