*
banner

Shepherd memories recalled by Webster and Easington

Memories of the late great James Shepherd were recalled at a recent concert given by Easington Colliery Band and soloist Roger Webster.

Roger Webster
  Roger Webster was the guest soloist for the special evening

Easington Colliery Band recently made a debut concert appearance at the popular Fire Station performance venue in Sunderland, which is fast becoming a vibrant hub of artistic activity in the North East.

Supported by Besson, it celebrated the life and musical legacy of the late, great James Shepherd, with the band joined by one of the most famous cornet players to follow him as principal cornet of the Black Dyke Band — Roger Webster.

Packed audience

A packed audience, including family members of Jim's enjoyed a superb evening of music making led by MD, Stephen Malcolm — opening with spot on appropriateness given Jim's reputation as the foremost cornet player of his generation with 'Entry of the King'.

The band was on fine form with their contributions such as 'Festive Overture', 'Scottish Dances', 'Toccata — Oh The Blessed Lord', 'It's Alright With Me', 'Taps in Tempo' (featuring Steven Moore), the blockbuster finisher 'MacArthur Park' and encore 'Riverdance'.

Wonderful memories

It was however the wonderful memories of James Shepherd that came flooding back as Roger Webster produced sublime performances of 'Napoli', 'How Great thou Art', 'Cleopatra' and 'Herje Kati' — each delivered with the same stylistic bravura and 'versatile' musicality as him.

As an extra treat Roger joined forces for the rarely heard cornet trio 'The Heralds' alongside Easington's principal and 'bumper-up', Daniel Robson and Ross Cartledge.

It was a truly memorable evening and the standing ovation for Roger and the band endorsed that fully. It really was like hearing Jim in action again — simply brilliantspokesperson

Simply brilliant

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It was a truly memorable evening and the standing ovation for Roger and the band endorsed that fully. It really was like hearing Jim in action again — simply brilliant.

Our thanks go to everyone who came to enjoy the event, to Roger and Besson of course, but most of all to James Shepherd for giving us so many unforgettable memories during his career."

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    


Perth

Three days of competitive music making for Scottish Festival of Brass

November 13 • Two weekends of music making from novices to Championship level will provide three days of action at Perth Concert Hall this month.


Prof Childs

Senzoku Gakuen return for Childs

November 13 • The Black Dyke Band Director of Music returns to Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Tokyo to round off trip to Japan in memorable fashion.


City of Cradiff

Hamilton lead for City of Cardiff (Melingriffith)

November 13 • The Bandmaster with The Band of the Prince of Wales is the new Musical Director at City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band.


Allan Ramsay

Ramsay in Unison with Kinneil for Scottish Open

November 13 • Allan Ramsay will make a welcome return to his homeland to lead UNISON Kinneil at the Scottish Open in Perth with the band boosted by new signings.


Contest: 47th Brass in Concert

Saturday 16 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment

Friday 22 November • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


York Railway Institute Band - Voices & Brass Christmas Spectacular

Saturday 14 December • Selby Abbey YO8 4PU


Barnsley Brass

November 13 • Barnsley Brass requires an Eb bass player.. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge on the A61 just south of Barnsley.. Rehearsals are Monday and Thursday evenings at 8pm in our purpose built bandroom..


Besses o'th' Barn Band

November 12 • Under the direction of David W Ashworth, we are making every effort to complete the rebuild of this very famous brass band. We require a kit percussionists and one Back Row Cornet to complete our line up for the North West Area Contest.


Besses o'th' Barn Band

November 12 • Besses o'th' Barn Band are looking to recruit an experienced Bass Trombone player to complete their Trombone Section with immediate effect.


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd