Customer Reviews

The Music of Kenneth Alford

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I must take exception to the previous reviewer's comments and really wonder about the quality of their sound reproduction equipment. The quality of the winds is excellent and the soaring countermelodies of the baritones are inspiring. The sound of a British military band is much different than the average American ear is used to. This is truly an album to be included in the musical library of march fans everywhere.

Probably one of the finest military Bands in the world! Don't expect an American, German, or French band when you order this one. This is a classic British military band. Enjoy!

What Sousa has been to the Armed Forces of the United States,Alford has been and is to those of Great Britain and the Commonwealth--particularly to the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines.

Thanks to "The Bridge on the River Kwai" there are few American listeners who are not familiar with "Colonel Bogey"but when I think of Alford it is always "Standard of St. George"that comes to mind. How many mornings did I stand in the cold of a Nova Scotia morning in front of the Guard and Band of the training establishment Her Majesty's Canadian Ship "Cornwallis", shivering in my black patent leather gaiters,my sword frozen in a death grip, waiting for the command to "March on the Guard and Band!".

"Aye,aye, Sir!" "Guard and Band , Right Turn! By the Left, Quick March!"And those magnificent opening bars of "Standard" shattering the cold as we set off to assemble at the foot of the mast to perform the centuries-old ceremony of raising the White
Ensign- the very standard for which Alford had written the march!

We will not see those days again!

Kenneth Alford is the one march composer who might be considered even more talented than Sousa. Heresy, I know, to Americans, but true.

Alford's marches speak for themselves and need no commentary from me. The performance here is very much in the British style, quite different from typical American performance practice. It is apparent that a couple of reviewers here are unaware of the difference.

Oh well, this is a matter of taste and experience. If you are seeking an authentic performance of Alford, this is it. If you prefer an Americanized version, this album may not satisfy.

I haven't had a recording of Alford's marches since a cassette tape came out several years ago. This disc, performed by one of the Royal Marines

bands is crisp, clear and very nicely interpreted.

Band enthusiasts will welcome this one and those who don't know Alford beyond the "River Kwai March", will have pleasant chance to get to know more of his remarkably "march-able" works.

Alford marches are wonderful - there is no way to sit still through one. It is great to have an All-Alford CD. If you love marching band music, but don't know Kenneth Alford, grab this collection and start tapping your toes.

This band is ill-equipped to do justice to the wonderful interplay in Alford marches. High brass and woodwinds are particularly weak. Great pieces such as "Standard of St. George" and "Army of The Nile" are muddled. Tempos are often missed, as in "Holyrood". Only "Eagle Squadron" and "By Land And By Sea" are worthy of the Alford name. However, if you are sick of Sousa, and want to hear really musical marches, this album is for you.

First off let me start by stating that Kenneth Alford, non de plume for Major Ricketts, is one the finest writers of the march even possibly besting our own Sousa. That said this particular album is of very poor quality especially the mix! Being a professional tubist I certainly enjoy hearing a strong low brass section the problem here is that it sounds like a tuba solo with band accompliment. Alford certainly knew how to write for the lower brass section and the tuba parts were not your a typical omp-pa-pa lines but melodical with wonderful counter melodies for tuba and all the lower brass. This is good fair to get to know Alford's music but not one for good listening.