*
banner

4BR Review podcast: Episode 2

The second episode is now out with at look at what has been, and what is going on in the banding world.

4BR Podcast
  The second episode is now out

Welcome to the second episode of the 4BR Review where joined by my colleague Chris Thomas we will once again be both looking back, as well as forward to, what has and what is, happening in the brass banding world.

To enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsE04xbG96k

What's on...

On this episode we look back at the recent Norwegian Championships in Bergen as well as forward to the series of Regional Championship event across the UK in the next few weeks — giving a few 'kiss of death' nominations on bands to watch out for.

All that and we touch on recent concerts at the Royal College of Music in London and Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, how we've been getting on enjoying the CD of Tim de Maeseneer and our book choices of the biography of Wilfred Heaton and 'Time's Echo' by Jeremy Eichler.

We also give you some new choices to look out for in the coming weeks to with new releases from Hauts de France and Gavin Higgins, concerts from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Brass and Percussion, books from Peter Bassano and John McCabe, contests and even two old vinyl LPs to add to your collection.

Featured reviews:


CDs:

Storm
Hauts de France
Conductor: Luc Vertommen
World of Brass: https://www.worldofbrass.com/102201
WobPlay: www.wobplay.com

Rong Brass:
Download only: https://www.worldofbrass.com/DOYCD444-download

Concerts:

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Sunday March 2nd
Town Hall
Birmingham
Go to: https://cbso.co.uk/events/cbso-brass-percussion-town-hall

Books:

So Written to After Times
John McCabe — A Life in Letters

Go to: https://www.prestomusic.com/books/products/9731660--so-written-to-after-times-john-mccabe-a-life-in-letters

Before the Music Stopped
The Life of Professional Musician 1965 — 2000
Go to: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Before-Music-Stopped-Professional-1965-2000/dp/B09NGXZPZB

LPs:

Gothenburg Brass Band
Conductor: Bengt Eklund
Polyphonic Recordings: PRL032D

Grimethorpe Special
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
Conductor: Elgar Howarth
Featuring: Besses o' th' Barn Band
Narrator: Valerie Solti
Decca Records: HEAD14

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    


Registry

Job vacancy at Brass Band Players Registry

July 29 • There is a part time role to be filled at the Brass Band Players Registry.


Raunds

Raunds appoints Matthew Brown

July 29 • The experienced Matt Brown has become the new Resident Conductor at Raunds Temperance Band.


Black Dyke Band

Mallinson flugel role ends at Queensbury

July 29 • Phoebe Mallinson looks forward to future opportunities as her time at Black Dyke Band comes to an end.


WELSH oPEN

2027 Welsh Open entries

July 29 • There are only a limited number of places available for the popular Welsh Open Contest in Newport next year.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

July 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to complete our horn section. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

July 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chinnor Silver

July 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (3rd) at 11am in our bandroom.. If your band is taking a summer break and you fancy keeping your lip in with a friendly,relaxed rehearsal come and join us.All abilities welcome and its all free with tea & cake.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd