‘FALKLAND SOUND’

by
Adrian Barnby

In this 25th. Anniversary year of the Falklands conflict it is fitting, and no surprise, that the Band of H.M. Royal Marines Portsmouth has produced an album of music to commemorate the event and celebrate the vital part played by the Royal Marines.

For generations the various Royal Marines Bands have been known for the quality and outstanding versatility of their music, for which they are widely regarded as one of the finest military bands in the world. The new album from the Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth "Falkland Sound" is a dynamic, skilfully arranged feast of music deserving of this accolade.

Each of the tracks featured are individual gems of a range of musical genres and styles performed with the Band’s usual skill and panache. Some of the tracks are what one would expect to hear on such a celebratory compilation but are significantly refreshed by a combination of good sound balance, superb recording quality and 'gutsy' arranging as demonstrated by Pomp and Circumstance March No.1 and a loved old favourite Rule Britannia; all stirring stuff, distinguished by silvery, harmonic colouring and bravura performing.

Particular mention however, must be made of two outstanding tracks, namely Winds of Power and Fitzroy. The former is an arrangement of symphonic, hair raising proportions that one could say without exaggeration, is reminiscent of Mahler. Fitzroy is yet another fine example of precision drumming, always a distinctive feature of the Band’s performances and will, no doubt, inspire future generations of budding buglers and percussionists.

Another notable track is Hymn to the Fallen. This glorious music illustrates the futility of war and its tragic inevitability and is a glowing tribute to those gallant men who, sadly, lost their lives during the conflict.

The writer has an extensive collection of H.M. Royal Marines Band recordings; some of the early ones of indifferent quality but, as recording technology has so vastly developed and improved, each new release possesses tracks of outstanding 'Listenability'. This new album "Falkland Sound" is a shining example and should be considered as an investment and a worthy addition to one’s music library.

‘FALKLAND SOUND’

by
John Ambler

Considering the important part that they played in the conflict it was inevitable that the Royal Marines Band Service would mark the 25th Anniversary of ‘Op Corporate’, the retaking of the Falkland Islands, with a very special recording.

When the Task Force left England it carried the Band of the Royal Marines, Commando Forces, On the SS Canberra and the Royal Marines Band of Flag Officer Third Flotilla on board SS Uganda which was the Task Force Hospital Ship. The bands were attached to the Medical Squadron of the Commando Logistics Regiment, and to provide Medical Support on the Hospital Ship respectively. They were told that they would not need their musical instruments, however, Royal Marine senior Officers told them to secretly pack their instruments and their music into containers which would be put on board. The musicians needed no encouragement and very soon they were providing not only their military role but also their primary role – music and entertainment for the troops.

This recording will transport many veterans of that war back 25 years. It will also rekindle memories for those who watched the homecoming, bought the subsequent recordings and attended the concerts. At the time old music was reprised and new music was written to capture the mood and the feelings of those months in 1982 when Great Britain showed that it would not be bullied, that it could and would make the necessary effort and then, despite the beliefs of the so-called super-powers, pulled it off. Professionalism was what it was all about and, with this recording, Major Nick Grace and his Band of the Royal Marines, Portsmouth – the Royal Band, salutes the Task Force in its own professional way. It is understood that only 77 veterans of the conflict are still serving with the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines. Three of them are members of the Band Service and contribute to this recording.

The CD booklet contains a wealth of information about the bands, the conflict and the music – much of which was, and probably still is, significant to the men of the Task Force. Following a new fanfare called Corporate the William Tell Overture is played. This featured as the first item in the first concert played for the Royal Marines on the journey south. It created a stunned silence and a distinct lack of interest until the famous ‘Lone Ranger’ fanfare was heard. This broke the ice and a good time was had by all. Next comes the very popular bugle feature High on a Hill and a new drum static Fitzroy in memory of the men who died as a result of the air attacks on Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram.

Sailing, a piece of music still much in demand by the public has, at last, been recorded again. This is followed by the march San Carlos written by the Director of Music, Commando Forces Band, Captain, later LtCol, John Ware whilst on board the SS Canberra. One of the Falkland veterans, BdCSgt Gary Halsey, then takes centre-stage, as he has on many occasions, to play A Time for Love. This big band number is followed by a jazz ensemble playing Europa – another direct connection since it features the saxophone playing of George Morrison who played this particular piece in 1982 to Argentine prisoners who were on board the Uganda to receive medical treatment.

Winds of Power is a modern piece that has no direct link with the Falklands conflict. However it is music of many moods and its episodic form seems to suit the various stages of the conflict and the emotions of those who were there. It must never be forgotten that many men never returned from the Falklands in 1982. The Royal Marines alone had twenty-seven men killed and one hundred and thirty wounded. In addition there were the men who were affected in less obvious ways. All must be remembered and the music selected for this part of the recording is very appropriate. Hymn to the Fallen is followed by Last Post and Reveille before the recording reminds us of the homecoming by playing the patriotic music of Rule Britannia and Pomp and Circumstance March No1.

The final piece of music acknowledges the men of all the Armed Services who, together, brought peace and freedom once more to the people of the Falklands. The Royal Navy, the Army, the Royal Air Force and, of course, the Royal Marines are all part of the Regimental March Medley.

But then there is the encore, a rousing piece of music that became the band’s special finale number. Hootenany, a rousing foot-tapping, hand-clapping selection of country and western music to which the Commandos would shout, cheer, sing and dance. On the way south, and following a concert that ended with this music, the Officer Commanding one of the Commando units told the band that if he could give his men rifles and put them ashore at that moment, they would march right across the Falklands and nothing would stop them. Such is the importance of military musicians.

It is not easy to produce a recording that celebrates an anniversary. The music has to be thoughtfully chosen to avoid what could be a very ‘dated’ sound. The selection and the presentation have to be tasteful and avoid glorification. This recording succeeds in providing a good selection of music both old and new, it will invoke memories in both those who were there and those who waited and it also provides a selection of music that will interest those who are too young to remember. This is not only a fine tribute, but also a very good recording in its own right.

Last upadated 16 April 2007