*
banner

Jim Shepherd takes Lone Star route to Harrogate

One of the most famous banding names will be joining Harrogate Band in Durham — and its not a Texan hold 'em bluff...

USA flag
 

The Harrogate Band will not only be gaining help from Dave Morton, the principal cornet player of the Eikanger Bjorsvik Band this weekend in Durham at the North of England Regional Championship, but also from a certain James Shepherd.

Texan Jim

However, this James Shepherd isn’t the one who famously adorned the LP cover of Black Dyke’s ‘High Peak’ album, but James Shepherd from the Lone Star state of Texas, USA.

It’s the first time that ‘Texas Jim’, who normally plays a mean trumpet, has played with the band — although the iconic former Dyke principal cornet also played with them on the solo cornet bench on ‘Rienzi’ a few years ago.

Very exciting

“It's very exciting to be playing for this excellent band,” the Texan told 4BR. “The people have been very friendly, I love the sound the band makes and I'm really looking forward to the contest and playing in some concerts with them.”

Amazingly, until his first visit, James was totally unaware of his famous brass band namesake, but soon became a fan after listening to recordings of him playing.

The 'original' Jim Shepherd did actually play for us at the Areas a number of years ago but it’s a delight to have the other Jim in the bandHarrogate Band

Learning accent

A Band spokesperson told 4BR: “The ‘original’ Jim Shepherd did actually play for us at the Areas a number of years ago but it’s a delight to have the other Jim in the band.

He’s learning our accent quickly and has become a valuable member of our cornet section."

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    


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


Foden's Armagh

Foden's stars to lead in Armagh once again

June 28 • Players from Foden's Band will continue to help inspire players of all ages and abilities in Armagh in August.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd