The first anniversary of the death of the remarkable brass band conductor Richard Evans has been marked by the publication of a march in his name.

'Richard Evans' has been commissioned by the Scottish Brass Band Association and written by his great friend Alan Fernie to provide a lasting musical legacy that can be enjoyed for generations to come.

The work was jointly premiered by the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) and Rushen Silver Band on the Isle of Man last year, with both organisations proud to have him as their musical adviser for over 20 years.

Swagger

Alan has appropriately given the march a wonderful 6/8 swagger — just the type of approach 'Tricky Dicky' revelled in on the concert platform.

The march has also featured as part of Rushen Silver Band's entry in the 2023 Manx Music Festival yesterday with profits raised from its sale being donated to the NYBBS, to support their work developing emerging talent.

Alan has appropriately given the march a wonderful 6/8 swagger — just the type of approach 'Tricky Dicky' revelled in on the concert platform4BR

Honour

Rushden Band Chairperson Chris Weldon told 4BR: "It's an honour to be able to help support this fantastic initiative and I hope this great march will be played for many years to come. It is a very fitting tribute to a true gentleman."

Those sentiments were echoed by SBBA President, Carrie Boax, who added: "It has been a special project that has involved so many lovely people and we are very proud of the outcome.

We hope many bands will make this piece part of their concert programmes as a worthy tribute to 'The Boss'. We look forward to hearing bands around the world performing it in just the way Richard would have loved."

Hear and purchase

To hear a recording of the march by the Leyland Band — another band close to his heart, go to: https//fb.watch/k2OKB-t0pf

The march, priced at £15 in PDF version, is available via the Rushen Silver Band online shop, which can be accessed via: https://rushensilverband.sumupstore.com