Bones Apart Trombone Quartet
The fanfare opening by acclaimed trombone quartet Bones Apart set the scene for the
concert on Monday 25 April 2016 in the Kings Theatre.
Organised by Anne Higgs, on behalf of the Cheddar Valley Music Club and Somerset Music a few days after Shakespeare’s anniversary, this was history in the making after "a wonderful day" of workshops with local schools as
Bones Apart inspired the young brass musicians of the future who follow in the footsteps of principal trombone
Helen Vollam who first played at Wedmore First School. Helen was joined by Jayne Murril, Becky Smith and Sarah
Williams.
Bones Apart treated the audience to an array of pieces and faithful to Shakespeare commenced with three movements
from Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - from the stirring Allegro, the beautiful slow Nocturne; before
finally, the lively sprightly racy-pacy business of the fairy kingdom for the Dance of the Clowns.
Duke Ellington’s “Such Sweet Thunder” was a swanky, suave change of tack; with seductive sliding and happy harmonising that preceded more jaunty jazz with John Denver’s almost sing-songy, with a steely beat and echoes “If Music Be
the Food of Love” from “Twelfth Night”.
Time for melting mellowness, the students’ rendition of timeless “Amazing Grace” brought tears to my eyes. But I was
dancing in my seat for the “Brazil” samba – made for swaying with a cocktail on a sunny evening, fading away like a
stunning sunset teasing the listener to want more.
The Cheddar Valley Music Club Brass Band students put on a splendid show for “Out of the Blue,” a loud and intrepid
opening that flourished into a confident march. The “Folk Tune Ashokan Farewell” from the 1982 Civil War Television Series was an epic coming together led by the trumpet, bringing a wistful feeling of triumph and accomplishment.
But for this Miss Moneypenny the highlight of the evening (amongst many) was The Best of Bond. A license to thrill:
big, bold and with a daring whiff of danger. Bond music never fails to shake and stir me. The romance of “From Russia
with Love,” to “Goldfinger,” and “You Only Live Twice” before the breath-taking build-up of the hallmark Bond theme
tune and shot gun bursts. All it needed with 007 himself to strut onto the stage with his devil may care grin.
The first half ended with Bones Apart performing Cole Porter’s “So in Love,” inspired by the famous “Kiss Me Kate”
wooing scene in “Taming of the Shrew.” A slow and sad opening. But as the shrew was tamed it got going, before slowing down again. A bit like love. The shrew was back in “Too Darn Hot” - a fast and playful finger-clicking good piece.
The headiness continued in the second half when Bones Apart tangoed with us in “La Cumparsita” from “Some Like it
Hot.” With off key sharps and flats, and using mutes, it was exotic and exciting, played against the steady beat, as a precursor to Jacob Gade's a tussle of a tango, “Jealousy.” Bring on the dancers. Rousing music for slinky dancing and
smouldering looks before the compulsory crescendo.