*
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    


milnrow

Result: 2025 Scottish Open

November 30 • Milnrow retains their cross border title in Perth.


swiss

Results: 2025 Swiss National Championships

November 30 • Valaisia Brass Band are champions again as BML Talents, Brass Band Kirchenmusik Fluhli, MG Konkordia Aedermannsdorf, MG Ufhusen and Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band claim the National titles in Lucerne.


Besson

Besson ready with early Christmas offers

November 29 • If you are at the Swiss or Swedish Nationals, the Scottish Open or just off to do some earlier Christmas musical shopping, then put Besson on Santa's list — for some great deals.


swiss

Swiss connections add to Lucerne coverage

November 27 • 4BR will be linking up with their Swiss friends at BRASS BAND NEWS to provide extra insight and opinions about the performances in Lucerne this weekend.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Chinnor Silver

December 1 • Having secured promotion to the 1st section from January our Christmas wish is for a Bb BASS and PERCUSSION players to join us.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom.. Good but realistic book of concerts and contests planned.


Croy Silver Band

December 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Wotton-under-Edge Silver Band

December 1 • Are you looking for a band to compete with at the 2nd Section 2026 Regional Championships? If so, we currently have spaces for- SOLO CORNET - EUPHONIUM - Eb BASS - PERCUSSION. We're a progressive band with exciting engagements planned for 2026.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd