*
banner

Interview with Peter Bassano

We catch up with professional trombonist Peter Bassano to talk about great music, great conductors, great musicians, great stories and recording 'Hey Jude' with The Beatles...

Bassanao
  The book charts Peter's professional life from 1965 to 2000

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to professional trombonist Peter Bassano, who for 27 years was a member of the Philharmonia Orchestra, as well as being a hugely respected Professor and Head of Faculty at the Royal College of Music.

He has just published a wonderfully entertaining musical biography entitled, 'Before the Music Stopped' — the life of a professional musicians 1965 — 2000 — which is in turn profoundly serious and laugh at loud funny.

Murphy, Fletcher and Lang

We talks about the book — its curious title, his admiration for its dedicatee Denis Wick, the great conductors and performers who impressed him most — and the wonderful brass players he performed next to — including Maurice Murphy, John Fletcher and Willie Lang.

He also reveals how he also got to play and sing on the iconic Beatles pop hit, 'Hey Jude'.

The book can be purchased through Amazon.

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    


New Zealand

New Zealand National bands face financial challenges

February 2 • BBNZ President says its National Secondary Schools Band, National Youth Band, and National Band of New Zealand are in need of financial support after grant bids fail.


4BR review

4BR Review — Episode 15

February 1 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look back at a memorable RNCM International Brass Band Festival, as well as look forward to the Norwegian Championships and more...


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe to support a Day to Remember

February 1 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band will add their musical sparkle to a concert that aims to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society


UniBrass Championships

UniBrass Championships countdown now on

February 1 • There are now just a couple of weeks to go before the student banding world heads to Newport — so why not go along and enjoy the action.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd