*
banner

Last notes ring out for JSVB

43 years of fantastic music making comes to an end for the James Shepherd Versatile Brass group and its iconic founder.

James Shepherd
 

43 years of ground breaking music making played its final bars in Delph this week as the renowned James Shepherd Versatile Brass gave their last concert in the heart of Saddleworth.

The Millgate Arts Centre was packed to capacity as former colleagues, friends and brass enthusiasts listened to the ensemble in concert for a final time under the baton of MD, Martyn Evans.

Legend

Formed in 1972 by the legendary cornet player James Shepherd, the event provided a fitting finale for over four decades of innovative music making by some of the banding world's finest exponents.

Fittingly, the evening was completed with a wonderful presentation made to its iconic founder as the former Black Dyke principal cornet received a personal portrait (pictured above) by bass player, Colin Aspinall — the only ever present throughout the group's existence.

Thanked

Having been humbled by Colin's emotive speech, Jim thanked everyone who had been involved with the ensemble over the years — adding that its success was not just down to an insatiable pursuit of musical excellence, but also of friendship and more than a touch of fun wherever they performed in the world.

Award

It was also announced that the JSVB name will be commemorated through an annual player award to the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain, which on the night was gratefully received by Black Dyke tuba player Phil Godwin.

Formed in 1972 by the legendary cornet player James Shepherd, the event provided a fitting finale for over four decades of innovative music making by some of the banding world's finest exponents4BR

DVD

Proceeds from the a highly enjoyable evening that also featured world whistling champion, Dave Morris, will also go the NCBBGB as will monies from the sale of commemorative DVD recordings of the evening.

Costing £5 the DVDs can be purchased by sending a cheque with your postal address from:

Versatile Brass
c/o 62 Wakefield Road
Hipperholme
Halifax
HX3 8AU

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


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


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd