*
banner

4BR Podcast Interview Episode 2: Johnny Thirkell

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to a musician who has gone from playing soprano with Easington Colliery to sharing the stage with Jamiroquai and David Bowie — and is now offering a new venture in fab surroundings for players to learn how...

Podcast
  4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Johnny Thirkell

Welcome to another 4BR Podcast Interview — our series talking to leading musicians and personalities with a link to the brass band world.

Episode 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJIcyU9aWdc

Episode 2 sees us joined by trumpet and flugel player Johnny Thirkell who has performed on hundreds of pop, rock and jazz recordings and live performances with the world's great stars.

These include working with the likes of Jay Kay and Jamiroquai and David Bowie to George Michael and Tina Turner, and so many more. He has also played with the Buddy Rich Band and Gil Evans Orchestra, played alongside the great Derek Watkins and a host of world class session musicians and stars.

The latest is a Cornet Camp which will be led by Tom Hutchinson of Cory Band from the 15th to 21st June.

Elite Music Camps

Over the last few years though he has been developing different aspects of his musical outlook — the latest a series of bespoke 'Elite Music Camps' based at his Spanish Villa about 20 miles from the city of Granada in the Sierra Nevada mountains alongside some of the industry leading musicians he has worked with for many years.

The latest is a Cornet Camp which will be led by Tom Hutchinson of Cory Band from the 15th to 21st June.

Find out more


To find out more: https://www.elitemusiccamps.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    


Wilby

Wilby premiere in County Down

June 20 • Philip Wilby's 'Spring Requiem' will receive its world premiere performed by the Ulster Consort & Players.


Cooperation

Invisible presence for cooperation band in Orkney

June 20 • the cooperation band will perform Gabrieli's 'Invisible Symphony' as well as their Brass in Concert winning 'La Premier' as part of the St Magnus International Festival in Orkney.


Elland

Elland set for showcase six-pack spectacular

June 20 • Six ensembles from the Yorkshire band will take to the stage at Huddersfield Town Hall next month in a fantastic show of community led music making.


Band Supplies

Muted quartet set to help holiday treats

June 20 • Get a quartet of Champion cornet mutes from Band Supplies are you will save a few bob on those new sunglasses your always wanted for your hols...


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Alder Valley Brass

June 19 • Bb bass player. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a varied blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham, Surrey. Other enquiries welcome.


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd