*
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    


Tourist

Could a tourist tax benefit brass bands?

October 31 • The Cultural Policy Unit and MPs back a tourist tax to support cultural attractions, creative districts and grassroots venues.


Isobel Daws

Daws focus to help musicians plan for a better playing future

October 31 • The critically acclaimed trombone soloist Isobel Daws has launched 'practice with focus' to help musicians develop their playing in a more effective way.


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

October 31 • The latest episode of the Radio 3 programme will be aired this Sunday.


Tredegar Band

New signings at Tredegar as 150th celebrations come closer

October 31 • Four new signings join the Welsh band as they look to celebrate 150 years of proud history.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Regent Brass

October 30 • Regent Brass (MD Alan Duguid) have a vacancy for Bass Trombone.. We are a friendly and progressive championship section band regularly promoting new music and actively pursues a varied performance schedule. .


Tintwistle Band

October 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


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.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd