4BR Dinner Guests - Simone Rebello gives us her ultimate dinner guest list
2-May-2009Simone Rebello tells 4BR just who she would have around her dinner table for a good night out and chin wag...
Given the opportunity, the wish list, the ability to mess about with the Space-Time Continuam like Doctor Who, and the skill to cook like Heston Blumenthal, who would you like to invite around to your place to enjoy a meal and chin wag with?
4BR started it all off a few days before Christmas 2007 with our 10 dinner guests, so we thought we had better ask a few more brass band personalities who would be on their all time dinner list too...
This time it’s Simone Rebello - perhaps the finest solo percussionist to have graced the brass band scene. A world class performer and solo artist, teacher, adjudicator and journalist, her skills have brought her admiration and fans all over the world.
Simone told 4BR: "I really enjoyed the chance to make my pick - although I would have loved to have been able to have invited so many more friends. Someone would have to cook, as I 'm not too great at it, but I am sure we would have a wonderful evening with plenty to talk about and lots of music to enjoy."
Just the ten though for Simone as the budget for the meal and drinks comes out of the hosts own pockets!
1. Richard Evans
What more could you want from a dinner guest?
A raconteur par excellence, a great friend and supporter over the years, a vibrant musician with a legendary abundance of ‘people’ skills. Could get any party started!!
2. Howard Snell
To whom I owe so much and with whom I have had many a great conversation about music and the music industry.
3. Edward Elgar
For a range of music that has fascinated me for many years - I wonder whether he would have written more music for brass band?
It is question that I would love to have the chance to ask.
4. James Blades
Whilst not technically a name from the brass band movement Mr. Blades' profound knowledge, interest and quest for perfection is legendary and for all percussionists really has to be on the list!
I met him a few times and have very fond memories of those times and what I learnt from him.
5. Fred Mortimer
I am very interested in the history and origins of Fodens Band (with whom I spent 10 very happy years) and I would love to be able to talk to such an important person from the band's past.
6. Chris Bastock
With whom I spent many eventful and exciting years in the percussion section at Fodens and 10 years working alongside in BackBeat Percussion Quartet.
A great friend - and a superb cook so really he is vital to this dinner party as my lack of any culinary skill is legendary!
7. Gilbert Vinter
Whose music I admire so much for its forward thinking approach, colour, vitality, and flair.
And of course for those great percussion parts! Would be a very interesting dinner guest.
8 + 9 The Childs Brothers
I have been supported and encouraged by a great many people over the years and none more so than Bob and Nick.
As both conductors and soloists I have always enjoyed working with them and been inspired by their drive and musicianship. And always enjoyed all the jokes as well!
10. A representative from the Brass Band Summer School Tutor Team 1991 to present day
Alan Morrison, Steve Sykes,Roy Newsome, Nick Hudson, Brian Taylor, Owen Farr, David Childs.....etc. ..etc.
Ok - this is a bit of a cheat as there are potentially well over 12 names here but I would love to be able to have at least one of the great musicians with whom I have had the pleasure of working over the 15 years that I spent with the summer school.
For hilarious anecdotes, amazing facts and great jokes there is no comparison!!
And Phillip Biggs to organise it all - of course!!
Previous dinner guest lists:
Previous guests have included the 4BR selection; Chris Wormald; David Read; Pete Meechan; Alan Jenkins; Derek Broadbent; Philip Harper; Peter Roberts; Frank Renton; James Shepherd; Dr Roy Newsome; Paul Lovatt-Cooper; Bramwell Tovey; Kevin Crockford; Morvern Gilchrist and Lesley Howie; Richard Evans.
