Ian Pearson

Musical Colours Ian Pearson

On the cover of the 1970 record THE VANISHING REGIMENTS, Colonel CH Jaeger OBE made an interesting observation: 'Be it true or not that old soldiers never die but only fade away, it is absolutely certain that the music connected with soldiering never does in fact. Many famous Regiments in the last few years have passed off the scene, others have been amalgamated. Much of the music of former Regiments is still in use, though the names of the Regiments concerned have vanished, perhaps forever'.

Regimental colours are the symbolic spirit of the regiment; their marches are the musical spirit. Their histories are sometimes older than the regiments themselves and very much guarded and cherished by them. When you hear a regimental band play a march, why that march?

This book is an attempt to cover the fascinating histories of military marches, how and why regiments adopted them, even those that have faded into history. It will appeal to those interested in Regimental Marches of Canadian and United Kingdom Armed Forces. Over 500 marches are covered with many band photos from across the centuries. Also included are narratives of the composers, Victoria Cross musicians and even words to many marches.

So, get out the records, crank up the volume and listen to the bands play their MUSICAL COLOURS while reading all bout them.