*
banner

Slaithwaite celebrate a long overdue Evolution process

A first commercial recording for over 40 years sees Slaithwaite evolve towards an exciting future.

Evolution
  The CD is the band's first commercial recording for over 40 years.

One of the most evocative names in Yorkshire banding has released its first commercial recording for over 40 years.

Slaithwaite Band's CD entitled, 'Evolution' marks a new era — as the last time they made a recording it was on long playing vinyl.

A little overdue

No wonder then MD Rob Westacott told 4BR it is a little overdue. "It's been a long time coming, but given the progress the band has made in the last few years we thought it was the ideal opportunity to record something again.

The music tracks some of the history of the band as well as looking forward to an exciting future, so it includes our signature march 'Merridale' written by Haydn Wood in 1948, as well as one of his most famous songs 'A Brown Bird Singing'."

Up to date

Rob added: "We also trace some recent contest success with 'Around the World, 'Victory' and two movements from 'Suite Gothique' and bring things up to date with 'Swing Low with Grace' written for us in 2015."

It's been a long time coming, but given the progress the band has made in the last few years we thought it was the ideal opportunity to record something againMD, Rob Westacott

Feature

The CD has already been featured on David Hoyle's popular 'Yorkshire Brass' radio show, and was his nomination for 'Concert CD of the Year' in the December poll by the British Bandsman Magazine.

For further information go to: https://slaithwaiteband.org.uk/

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    


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


thecooperationband

Ramsay takes principal cooperation role

January 4 • Alex Ramsay has become the principal cornet of the cooperation band.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • Championship CORNET players - we are looking for a strong front row player to complete our section. We have a great year ahead including contests, hymn and march contests, concerts and Durham Miners alongside a good social vibe.


East London Brass

January 3 • PERCUSSIONIST - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a percussionist to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd