The London Music Archives - 1975

THE SALVATION ARMY LONDON CITADEL BAND

Spirit Of Joy

PERSONNEL:

Cornets
Alan Bolam (Eb Soprano), Ray Thompson, Ron Gilbert, Tom Wilson, Graham Wilson, Edgar Hoe, Neville Yatesv and Fred Browne

Flugel Horn
Gordon Browne

Alto Horns
Brian Fuller, Jon Pittock, Gordon Chapman, Gordon Ward and Arthur Edwards

Trombones
Bernard Holmes, Keith Ketteringham, Adrian Moyle and Glen Beard

Baritones
Martin Holmes and Arthur Hicks

Euphoniums
Bernard Doars (Deputy Bandmaster) and Eric Wilson

Tubas
Cameron MacTavish, Gale Bennett, Charles Hoe and John Yates

Percussion
Fred Curtis, Doug Edwards and assisted by Karel

"His service calling us, none appalling us, deeds of valour we'll do" clearly sounds out the spontaneous joy found in the service of Christ. March to this beat and life will have meaning indeed! A delightful blend of contemporary songs for today's needs, Included are "Love lifted me", "Standingon the promises", "Leaning on the everlasting arms" and "Heaven came down". A spirited march reaching back to such early day 'Army' themes as, "If you keep singing, if you keep smiling ....you'll be rewarded someday!" A joyous and triumphant note dominates this march although a plaintive theme appears-victories are not won without tribulation! The words of the theme are heard in the trio, "From earth's wide battlefields returning, to their glory they come". The lilting sung "I want to tell you what the Lord has done" goes beyond a challenge to the practical service of getting out and getting the job done. "On we march" with brass instrument, drum and tambourine epitomizes the 'Army' in its joyful expression of Christian service. This invigorating music swings along in keeping with the words, "The call to arms we've heard, With joyful hearts to the call we're responding Our souls the sound has stirred, And as a flame, burns our love for our King!"

For many of us,the Salvation Armyhas always been there - at least as far back as we can remember. In fact William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army was early captivated by the usefulness of the brass band to aid in achieving the ultimate goal of the 'Army's' ministry - the salvation of souls!
For nearly one hundred years the brass band - 'portable organ' - has been closely linked with the spiritual ministry of The Salvation Army. Though the early day bandsmen were limited both in instrumentation anu in available music, they became the advances guard of this mighty worldwide host of marching men and women. Their music is both a ministry and a message: a ministry designed to inspire hope and praise to God and a message of salvation and victory in Christ.
Now in 1975, we look back on nearly 100 years of dedicated musicianship given voluntarily by countless thousands of present and former bandsmen. We thank God for the 'Old Campaigners' whose joy, enthusiasm and service was second to none. The heritage they passed on to our generation is challenging indeed!
And so "SPIRIT OF JOY" appears in a long line of recordings to recapture the thrill of a stirring march or to deepen the devotion with an inspirational hymn tune. We invite you to enter into this same spirit by singing along with these well known song arrangements. In fact, the very purpose of this recording is to present again that `Spirit of joy' which consistently has been the very signature of a happy spirit set free by Christian faith.
We invite you to feel it again for yourself, whether you're a seasoned bandsman or a new recruit; a brass band 'nut' or a layman who simply knows a good march when he hears it; or one who revels in well played 'Songs of Faith' that bring to mind words of blessing and encouragement. Hear again the pulsating beat that forms the musical background for the portrayal that victories are not easily won without the struggles - but how relevent to our day! We live in times of great ecological concern, industrial strife and social upheaval, but that is not the end for the person of faith! In spite of these concerns, the spirit of victory is supported by an ineradicable belief that somehow `good will triumph over ill'as we fight the good fight of faith.
If there is anything that we want to come through loud and clear in this recording, it is the undeniable fact that the joy of the Lord is spontaneous, distinctly without sham or froth, deeply imbedded not just in our music but in the heart of the true Salvationist bandsman.
We hope you sense this in each selection!

Earl G. McInnes (Major), Corps Officer, London Citadel

Recorded in London Citadel - May 8 and 9, 1975