*
banner

Gourlay and Neish join Besson trio for Friday night entertainment

The brilliant tuba entertainers James Gourlay and Les Neish join the Besson trio of Harper, Mead and Webster for a great Friday night of chat, opinion and plenty of fun...

NeishGourlay
  The two tuba stars join the Besson trio this evening

There is the ideal opportunity to sit back and enjoy some great musical chat and opinions with the latest episode of 'Besson Fridays at Home', which will be aired at 6.00pm this evening.

Special guests with Philip Harper, Steven Mead and Roger Webster are the tuba tyros of James Gourlay and Les Neish.

Finest

The duo are regarded as two of the finest exponents of their trade in the musical world as well as being hugely respected teachers and conductors of note!

Les also studied with James at the Royal Northern College of Music some years ago (although they don't want to reveal just how far back it was!) and so the programme takes the opportunity to find out more about their joint experiences and memories as well as what they have been up to of late.

Great entertainment

There is plenty of great entertainment packed into the show — with clips of both performing interspersed with the chat and fun.

James tells us all about the River City Brass Band in Pittsburgh and gives us a fascinating insight into the workings of this incredible professional ensemble. Meanwhile, Les tells us more about his background, his family responsibilities and we even get a glimpse of his young daughter conducting.

There is plenty of great entertainment packed into the show — with clips of both performing interspersed with the chat and fun4BR

Quiz

The climax of the show this week is a rather extraordinary tuba quiz which hosts Phillip Harper, Steven Mead and Roger Webster had prepared for the virtuoso guests!

It's not to be missed!

Enjoy

Enjoy at: https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/

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    


Blackpool Brass

A towering 60 years to be celebrated by Blackpool Brass

August 30 • The band from the famous seaside resort looks to celebrate its 60th anniversary later this year with friends and a few old Blackpool stars...


Brighouse

Cash prize increase for British Open winner

August 30 • The newly crowned British Open champion will win the largest cash prize in current world banding.


Kirkintilloch

Report & Result: 2026 West of Scotland Entertainment Contest

August 30 • Kirkintilloch continues their fine form with a return to the top at Troon.


nybbgb

Broadcast repeats of NYBBGB Summer Concerts

August 29 • You will be able to enjoy the performances of both the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Childrens Band and the senior National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain on YouTube next month.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


CROFTON SILVER BAND

August 30 • CROFTON SILVER BAND - FIRST SECTION YORKSHIRE BAND. We are seeking a MD to lead a welcoming, ambitious, fun-loving group, passionate about making fantastic music and enjoying the journey together. . Rehearsals Monday & Thursday 8-10pm Fitzwilliam, Wakefield


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

August 29 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

August 29 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd