Notes on Alford
Col. U.A. Butler | Pennsylvania | 02/03/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"If you are a fan of Alford's music, you have to buy this. If you love Alford's music, you will probably be disappointed. This group (supposedly the band that Alford led for years) played all the notes, but they clearly didn't love it. There is no passion in the performance, and a group who can't get passion out of "Army of the Nile", "By Land and Sea", "Eagle Squadron", or "Standard of St. George" is lacking. Some of this is the size of the group - only 34 players. Everything is thin, and middle/low woodwinds are practically missing. Bring on University of Tennessee or Michigan bands and this would be wonderful! On a plus note, discovery and inclusion of the "Vesper Hymn" is great. Wonder how much more terrific stuff is buried in Alford's papers."