*
banner

The curious case of The Holy City and Jack the Ripper

A new book may have you thinking twice about playing the famous cornet solo The Holy City ever again...

Maybrick
 

Here's a question you won't hear posed every day of the week?

What's the link between the bloke who directed the cult film 'Withnail & I', the famous Victorian ballad song 'The Holy City', so beloved of cornet soloists at slow melody contests for generations... and 'Jack the Ripper'?

They All Love Jack

Well according to a new book called 'They All Love Jack', written by award winning screenplay writer Bruce Robinson (who directed 'Withnail & I') — a singer/composer called Michael Maybrick (above), who worked under the musical pseudonym of Stephen Adams — the man behind of 'The Holy City', written in 1892 — also happened to be the most infamous serial killer in history...

Colourful

The book has just been published by Harper Collins and has created a bit of a stir — and you can read why in a cracking (and very colourful) interview the author gives to journalist Robert Chalmers for this month's GQ magazine.

Top G finish

So the next time any budding cornet player struggles to hit the top G finish to the end of 'Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King!' their minds may be a little distracted if they read Bruce's book first...

the next time any budding cornet player struggles to hit the top G finish to the end of 'Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing... their minds may be a little distracted4BR

Go to:

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/comment/articles/2015-10/05/jack-the-ripper-revealed-they-all-love-jack-bruce-robinson?utm_source=Outbrain&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=GQSeptemberOctober2015

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    


wELSH aREA

Draws & Results: 2025 Welsh Regional Championships

March 15 • Parc & Dare, Deiniolin Silver and Holywell claim the first titles of the weekend in Swansea


Stevenage

Draws & Results: 2025 London & Southern Counties Area Championships

March 15 • Cobham claims the first title of the Stevenage weekend.


cIVIC cENTRE

Result: 2025 Midlands Second Section Area Championship

March 15 • Carlton Brass claims the Second Section honours in Bedworth


Derek rENSHAW

Renshaw adds experience to MD role at Hade Edge

March 15 • Three time National winner Derek Renshaw brings his experience to the role of MD at Hade Edge Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - RAM Trumpet Ensembles

Friday 14 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 14 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 15 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Contest: Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships

Saturday 15 March • Bedworth Civic Hall, High Street CV12 8NF


Contest: Welsh Regional Championships

Saturday 15 March • Brangwn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE


Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass

March 15 • Merseyside/Wirral based. We are a friendly 4th section band with regular jobs and socials throughout the year! Looking for a Principal Cornet, Cornets(position negotiable), Flugal and Trombone. All Players welcome! Instruments available to use!


The Marple Band

March 13 • Cornet ( positions negotiable),baritone and kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Rushden Town Band

March 12 • Back Row Cornet - due to a change in job, the band has a vacancy for a back row cornet. The band has a lovely atmosphere, and has regular jobs throughout the year as well as taking part in at least two contests.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd