The life of one of the brass world’s finest players and conductors will be remembered this weekend, with a charity concert in honour of the late James Watson.
Host of stars
Organised by his two sons Will and Tom, in association with the Royal Academy of Music, the event will feature a host of world class performers who will pay tribute to the highly respected trumpeter and former MD of the Black Dyke Band.
Overwhelming
They told 4BR that the response to the concert from former friends, players, peers and associates has been overwhelming, and that there are just a few tickets left to the event that takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday 18th June at the Duke’s Hall of the Royal Academy of Music.
"It’s been amazing," they said. "The response has been nothing short of remarkable. We have been inundated with requests to play on the night and we have been greatly moved by the tributes that have been paid once more."
We cannot thank everyone enough for their kindness and support. It is sure to be an evening our father would have lovedTom and Will Watson
Remarkable musical life
The evening will celebrate an equally remarkable life in music and will be hosted by comedian and actress Victoria Wood.
Tom and Will also revealed that they are to be numerous musical treats to enjoy from musicians of the calibre of the Academy Symphonic Brass ensemble, trumpet superstars Derek Watkins, Philip Cobb, Tony Fisher, Noel Langley, Pete Beachill, Andy Greenwood, Dave Steward and many more.
Favourites
"Philip will perform one of ours father’s favourite showcase solos, ‘Tico, Tico’," they added.
"We are also very honoured that Malcolm McNab, one of the true great players to be found in the Hollywood film business will perform a new work entitled, ‘In Memoriam James Watson’ by composer Bruce Broughton.
He has taken time out from his extremely busy schedule to fly in from the USA to play."
Fund boost
The lads believe that the concert will give a huge boost to the James Watson Fund, which was set up after their father’s death to help young brass players who may not be able to afford certain areas of their studies in these tough economic times.
Flexible
"The fund is to be flexible and support young players in many different areas from travel, living, instrument, personal promotion and many other costs," they proudly added.
"At this time it is being held at the Royal Academy of Music until such time as the logistics are finalised, but we think it will provide a quite wonderful way to remember our father’s musical legacy for generations to come."
Joy and sadness
With big band numbers balanced by a performance of ‘Resurgam’ and a finale of ‘Summon the Heroes’ it is sure to be an occasion that will bring tears of sadness as well as joy to all that take part and listen.
As Tom and Will added: "We cannot thank everyone enough for their kindness and support. It is sure to be an evening our father would have loved."
Further details:
Saturday 18th June:
James Watson: A Tribute – In aid of the James Watson Fund
7.30pm
Duke’s Hall
Tickets £35 from the Academy’s Box Office Tel. 020 7873 7300 and from
www.ram.ac.uk/events
