Despite the unfamiliar red hot weather in Manchester this weekend, Foden's Band has been enjoying seeing the musical meniscus rise to boiling point as they record a new CD featuring the talents of one of the world's great lead trumpet players.

They have been working with Mike Lovatt for a new release entitled, '50 Degrees North' in honour of Mike's late father in law who came from the slightly more tepid climes of Scotland.

Real niche

It's being recorded by World of Sound for release later this year, and promises to be yet another eagerly awaited recording from the north-west champion, who is creating a real niche with their connections to the big band and jazz worlds.

4BR was at the recording at the Halle Orchestra's 'St Michael's rehearsal studio to hear a few of the tracks being recorded — and which also sees the band augmented by a brilliant three piece jazz combo on tracks specially written and arranged by composer Colin Skinner.

Incredible experience

"It's been an incredible experience,"Foden's principal cornet Mark Wilkinson told 4BR. "Not just to hear Mike performing next to you, but to appreciate just what it takes to play the stuff he does. You do sit there at times thinking 'Wow!'.

"We've been enjoying as well as learning,"Foden's MD Mike Fowles said. "Working with the big band singer Matt Ford in the past year has given us a real appetite to explore this music, so to be able to team up with one of the world's very best performers has been incredible.

Mike and his team have given us a new perspective on who to approach this music — and to realize that it has such a rich potential for brass bands willing to perform something very familiar but also very different."

No doubt

The project has been brought together by Mike Lovatt and his great friend Paul Fisher, who regularly plays with him and also conducts the Amersham Band.

When discussing who they felt could make the cross-over best to work on the project, Foden's were the first choice.

"No doubt about that,"Paul said. "Their professionalism and eagerness to adapt has been remarkable. It's been a huge pleasure — and the end result is going to be a cracking recording."

It's been an incredible experience. Not just to hear Mike performing next to you, but to appreciate just what it takes to play the stuff he does. You do sit there at times thinking 'Wow!'Mark Wilkinson

Contest stage

As for Mike himself, he has been thoroughly enjoying the experience, whilst also revealing that he was no stranger to the pressure of playing at the Albert Hall — on a brass band contest stage that is…

"This is a project that is close to my heart, and to be able to link up with Paul, Mike and the band has been such a thrill, especially as Colin Skinner's arrangements are genius. Foden's are a great band to work with.

They have also reminded me why I hold brass banding in such respect — and why I admit to being a terrible cornet player after Paul reminded me of the time we played with Amersham at the Fourth Section National Finals in London. I've never been so nervous!"