*
banner

Foden's help honour first lady of British jazz

Foden's to feature on BBC documentary on remarkable saxophonist.

Fodens
 

On Sunday 19th February at 9.00pm, BBC4 will broadcast a documentary about one of Britain's finest musical treasures — composer and saxophonist Barbara Thompson.

First Lady

Described as the 'First Lady of British Jazz', Barbara has over 40 years as a professional musician, created her own renowned musical identity.

She is equally well known for her distinctive contemporary classical compositions as her haunting theme tune for the popular television series, 'A Touch of Frost', on which she plays the saxophone solo.

Barbara is a remarkable lady. For the last 12 years she has been battling with Parkinson's Disease and continues to have a positive outlook on music and life in generalFoden's Band

Double Trouble

Barbara collaborated with Foden's, Les Neish, James Gourlay, Tubalate & Foden's Composer in Residence Andy Scott, on the ground-breaking CD 'Double Trouble'.

Some footage from the rehearsals and recording will be included in the documentary.

Remarkable

A Foden's spokesperson told 4BR: "Barbara is a remarkable lady. For the last 12 years she has been battling with Parkinson's Disease and continues to have a positive outlook on music and life in general. The 'Playing Against Time' documentary will be a fascinating insight into her world."

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    


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert draws confirmed

May 1 • The draws for the 2026 Brass in Concert and Youth Brass in Concert Championships have been confirmed after being made in Linz.


Spring Festival

Final preparations in place for Spring Festival

April 30 • Bands and organisers are putting the final parts in place ahead of the Spring Festival in Birmingham.


Spring Festival

Run event reminder for Spring Festival

April 29 • Birmingham will be busy with runners on the Spring Festival weekend


Elgar Howarth

Howarth remembered

April 29 • The musical life and career of Elgar Howarth has been marked by a special programme on Radio 3.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd