"When it comes to accompanying, the 70-plus strong NYBB is a daunting unit, especially when backing a mellow instrument like the euphonium. Steven Mead, however is no euphonium "ordinaire", and his flawless technique, soaring cantabile and ability to project the instrument in all circumstances combined with the band's sensitive playing to produce a fine performance of Ray Steadman Allen's Lyric Variations - a light hearted, inventive treatment of the well known Shaker tune commonly known as The Lord of the Dance. It not only danced, it swung and snag, and the crowd loved it. Peter Graham's "Brillante" was the perfect encore for this incredible guest soloist, but the crowd would not let him go and he returned to re-define the euphonium in a mind-blowing Facilita (Code) which ought to have carried some sort of Government warning!"

Peter Wilson - The British Bandsman 13 May 2000