*
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    


NYBBWales

Welsh youth set for trio of Harper led performances

May 21 • The National Youth Brass Band of Wales and Philip Harper can be heard in Bangor, St David's and Newport in August.


4BR Reviw

4BR Review — Episode 18

May 21 • Enjoy the latest debate about the banding world as Edward Gregson and Paul Hindmarsh air their opinions on banding's artistic vision.


Willebroek

Willebroek to show case major talents in Birmingham

May 21 • A trio major compositions will be showcased by the current World and Belgian champions at the Elgar International Festival of Brass.


Dutch Open

Big bands and brass bands to provide entertainment at Dutch Open

May 21 • There will be plenty of great entertainment on offer on stage at the Dutch Open next month.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a Bb and Eb Bass player (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday & Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for SOLO CORNET players (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Regent Brass

May 20 • Regent Brass (Championship Section) seek a Bb Bass to join our friendly, musically ambitious Central London band. We enjoy a varied and balanced schedule of concerts and contests, and regularly premiere new music.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd