4BR has been informed that Black Dyke’s highly respected tuba soloist Joseph Cook has confirmed he is taking a back seat from his playing commitments at the English National champion.

Success

Having joined the Queensbury band in 1999, under the baton of the late James Watson, Joseph has enjoyed unbridled success at all the major competitions, as well as making critically acclaimed solo appearances on television, radio and many leading national concerts and international festivals.

Right time

Joseph told 4BR that he felt that after 14 years it was the right time to take a new direction in his musical career.

"I’ve had a wonderful time with the band over 14 great years, and I’m very proud to have played a part in a band with such a rich history.

However, I feel it’s the right time for me to move on in order to further develop my musical horizons. I have some interesting solo, ensemble and conducting projects in the pipeline that I’m very much looking forward too."

Thanks

He added: "I’d like to thank all the great friends I’ve made through Black Dyke and particularly Nicholas Childs for his continued support in my development.

I wish the band all the best in the future and I’m sure it won’t be the last time I play with Black Dyke."

I feel it’s the right time for me to move on in order to further develop my musical horizons Joseph Cook

Critical acclaim

A graduate of the University of Leeds, Joseph’s first solo album ‘Debut’ was released in 2008, to critical acclaim.

A former winner of the Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy for Best Soloist at the British Open, he has also commissioned major works for tuba and brass band by composers such as Philip Wilby and Dan Price.

Joseph is currently MD of the GT Group Peterlee Band.