*
banner

Jim, Billy & Lady Gaga...

You never guess who James Gourlay's hero was when gowing up in Fife, and who he's now a fan of...

Gouray
 

In the leading American newspaper, 'The Pittsburgh Tribune', it has been revealed that James Gourlay's childhood hero was non other than the combative Leeds and Scotland football player, Billy Bremner.

Goals

Jim was talking about various aspects of his busy life as the MD of River City Brass Band, for the paper's popular five minute 'Personality Test' feature, when he rather surprised (and most probably totally confused) his American readers with his choice — and the reason — '...because he scored goals against England'.

Interesting link

Follow the link and find out a lot more about a conductor with a very interesting life away from the podium — including his like of Lady Gaga....

Go to

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/music/s_767622.html

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Elgar Howarth

Elgar Howarth funeral details

January 18 • The funeral of Elgar Howarth will take place in London in February.


Porthouse

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Ian Porthouse

January 18 • Ahead of their appearance at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival, we catch up with Tredegar's MD to talk about their featured programme of music.


Gull Dances

Superbrass Saturday: Gull Dances (Terry Johns)

January 18 • A great series of dances inspired by Scottish gulls in flight, looking for food and soaring above the Scottish cliffs to add to any concert programme.


Fundraising

BBE boosts member services with project evaluation support

January 18 • A new initiative from Brass Bands England will help bands with their ongoing fund raising projects.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


Rushden Town Band

January 19 • 2nd Trombone position of this fun loving band. . . Great diary of regular concerts throughout the year, plus at least 2 contests per year. Recently recorded its first CD and off on its second tour in May 2025.


East London Brass

January 18 • 2nd TROMBONE - ELB are looking for a 2nd Trombone player to play at the areas in March. If you are interested in helping out with this temporary role, please reach out. We are a friendly, fun and ambitious band!


Kingdom Brass

January 17 • KIT PLAYER. Looking for a new start in 2025?. Kingdom Brass invites applications for a Kit Player specialist.. The band will be competing at the Scottish Championships, the Spring Festival, and the Scottish Open, local competitions and other events..


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd