*
banner

Iconic recordings added to Wobplay platform

Two outstanding Polyphonic releases from Grimethorpe Colliery and Williams Fairey Bands have been added to the Wobplay recording platform for brass band listeners to enjoy.

Recordings
  The outstanding recordings show bands at the peak of their form under their MDs

Two iconic brass band recordings from Grimethorpe Colliery and Williams Fairey Bands have been added to the wobplay.com recording platform.

Grimethorpe

An expert remastering of Grimethorpe's 1982 Polyphonic 'Firebird' release gives you the opportunity to revel in one of the most exciting LPs ever to be produced by the famous Yorkshire band under the baton of Ray Farr.

Not only can you enjoy his thrilling arrangement of 'Infernal Dance' of the ogre Kastche and the uplifting 'Final Hymn' from Stravinsky's famous ballet, but there are also two movements from Elgar Howarth's masterful appraisal of 'Baba Yaga' and 'Great Gate of Kiev' from Mussorgsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition'.

All that and there are superb soloists in the form of Peter Roberts with his signature showcase 'On with the Motley', as well as Stan Lippeatt, Steve Sykes and Stan Priestly, and the fantastic concert opener, 'Midnight Sleighride'.

It's a brilliant recording topped by an album cover by award winning designer Hilary Scudder.

Two iconic brass band recordings from Grimethorpe Colliery and Williams Fairey Bands have been added to the wobplay.com recording platform4BR

Williams Fairey

The 1994 'Double Champions' recording on the Polyphonic label sees Williams Fairey Band at the peak of their powers under the baton of the legendary Major Peter Parkes.

This was the band that claimed the 1993 British Open title with stupendous performance Philip Wilby's 'Masquerade' (winning by a four-point margin), and the National Championship crown with an electrifying three-point winning rendition of 'The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea' by Derek Bourgeois.

You can hear the performances again here — the latter, the winning rendition from the Albert Hall on October 16th 1993.

All this and there some sparkling soloists in the form of David Welsh, Craig Bennett, Brett Baker and Sandy Smith.

Two fantastic recordings not to miss out on…

Find out more

Go to: https://wobplay.com/

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    


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


Joey Wong

4BR Wednesday interview with Joey Wong

January 6 • We meet up with the 22 year old conductor from Hong Kong hoping to become the 2026 National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition winner.


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


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.


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


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd