The notes of the packaging of this fascinating follow-up disc inform us that the music is 'drawn from across historic and stylistic barriers that reflect in turn heroic, turbulent, sad and reflective moods, capturing the effervescence of youth and simple folkloristic pleasures'. This wafty promise unfolds as Mr. Mead astounds and delights in a collection of short pieces which not only reveal his consummate artistry but also his vivid imagination- who else would attempt the finale of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony on a euphonium? And there is a bonus- the listener is treated to his distinctive sound in one-man ensembles of anything between 4 and 16 parts, multitracking being the disc's 'modus operandi'.

If the concept seems a bit incestuous - a kind if fix for lonely euphonium anoraks - please suspend your judgement until you've heard all 18 items. You might do that only once, thereafter selecting tracks at random, but one complete hearing will convince you of Steven's ability to encompass many styles, of his impeccable technique, his instinct for musical line and unrivalled colour sense.

There is music by Chopin, Grieg and Wagner (who for his 'Ring' cycle could have replaced his entire lower brass section with Mr.Mead), two originals - the enjoyable Euphoniums Parfait by Yasuhide Ito and Morgens Andresen's And Soon It Will Be Blossom Time - and a dip into the jazz world of Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck.

My favourites are Thomas Dos's gypsy-inspired A La Romanesc, the aforementioned piece by Andresen, and Rosamunde (better known to Brits as the Beer Barrel Polka), in which Steven makes his first appearance as vocalist for 28 years - well worth the wait, Steve ! In a scene bursting with amazing young players, some taught by Steven Mead and many of them making important contributions, Steven stands supreme in his quest for finding new ways of presenting the full panoply of the euphonium's capabilities. This disc, beautifully engineered by Mike Moor, and nicely-timed for Christmas, proves the point.

Peter Wilson, Copyright British Bandsman Nov. 27 2004