*
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    


A4 Quartet

A4 Brass Quartet set for start of London recital series

October 28 • The award winning A4 Brass Quartet will start new collaboration with National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and St Martin-in-the-Fields in London this Friday.


Invercargill

Cosmic challenge at New Zealand Championships

October 28 • The test pieces for the 2027 New Zealand National Championships have been announced — led by 'The Cosmographic Mystery' by Ingebjørg Vilhelmsen.


Flowers

Flowers mark Euro triumph with special presentations

October 28 • The European Champion has marked its memorable victory in Linz with special commemorative awards to its players.


Whit Friday

Uppermill warning of Whit Friday last chord

October 28 • The organisers of the Uppermill Whit Friday contest are asking for urgent volunteer help to continue 120 years of history.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 30 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The KNDS Fairey Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 November • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Olney Brass

October 27 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for: - CORNETS (Front & Back Row) - SOLO HORN - Eb BASS Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for a Bb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd