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Band of HM Royal Marines: Summon The Heroes - an album guide
Military precision and some stunning guests make this superb Classic BRIT-nominated album one to treasure. Learn more about it with our handy track-by-track guide.
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1. Summon The Heroes
The title track sets out the band's stall for the album - declamatory, precise and terrifically exciting.
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2. Sailing
Proving that it's not just military bombast that they excel in, this neat version of the Rod Stewart classic is an inventive arrangement.
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3. A Life On The Ocean Wave
Henry Russell's enduring ditty is given a nippy airing here. Originally based on the 1838 poem Epes Sargent, it's a sprightly affair at just over a minute long.
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4. Eternal Father With Sunset
As the chorus states, this is one for 'those in peril on the sea', a beautifully rich musical sentiment that features a gorgeous muted trumpet solo at its peak.
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5. Ashokan Farewell
Jay Ungar's (pictured) popular waltz sees the band joined by a solo violin and some gorgeously delicate harp playing too.
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6. Over The Hills And Far Away
The great Alfie Boe joins the band for this traditional song, not to be confused with the Led Zeppelin track of the same name. Maybe on their next album…?
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7. Fantasia On British Sea Songs
Flags at the ready! A Proms favourite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, the band rip through this super set of traditional sea songs with real gusto.
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8. Scarborough Fair
Not the first of this year's Classic BRIT nominees to tackle this traditional song (Laura Wright gives it a bash on her album too), they nevertheless put their own unmistakeable stamp on an established classic.
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9. Hands Across The Sea
The music of John Philip Sousa (pictured) is integral to the life and health of military bands everywhere, so the Royal Marines present their own version of one of his most popular marches.
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10. Extremeo Vitualamen
It's time for the drummers to shine with this little showpiece. It comes neatly at the halfway point too, so it's a nice interlude.
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11. There You'll Be
The album takes a swift turn into pop balladry with this take on the popular Faith Hill song. Vocalist Mary-Jess is the centre of this inspirational song.
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12. The Captain General
It's back to business with this classic Vivian Dunn march. Impeccable dynamics and control as you'd expect from one of the finest military bands in the world.
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13. Home Away From Home
Another sentimental number perfectly suited to the tone of this album, Home Away From Home has a fantastic flute solo running through it that forms the backbone of the whole piece.
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14. Cockleshell Heroes
Continuing that theme of heroism in the armed forces, this spirited work requires some seriously nimble fingers in the woodwinds.
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15. Britannic Salute
This is a tour of all things patriotic, with Rule Britannia and Land Of Hope and Glory getting some attention.
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16. The King's Speech On The Outbreak Of War (Eternal Father)
Taking its cue from the Colin Firth film of the same name, this moving collage plays the King's speech over a muted and humble version of Eternal Father.
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17. Sailing - Vocal Version
The soaring massed are the star of this alternate version of Sailing, which we heard in an instrumental version earlier in the album. An uplifting way to finish the record.
