The Harrogate Band will not only be gaining help from Dave Morton, the principal cornet player of the Eikanger Bjorsvik Band this weekend in Durham at the North of England Regional Championship, but also from a certain James Shepherd.

Texan Jim

However, this James Shepherd isn’t the one who famously adorned the LP cover of Black Dyke’s ‘High Peak’ album, but James Shepherd from the Lone Star state of Texas, USA.

It’s the first time that ‘Texas Jim’, who normally plays a mean trumpet, has played with the band — although the iconic former Dyke principal cornet also played with them on the solo cornet bench on ‘Rienzi’ a few years ago.

Very exciting

“It's very exciting to be playing for this excellent band,” the Texan told 4BR. “The people have been very friendly, I love the sound the band makes and I'm really looking forward to the contest and playing in some concerts with them.”

Amazingly, until his first visit, James was totally unaware of his famous brass band namesake, but soon became a fan after listening to recordings of him playing.

The 'original' Jim Shepherd did actually play for us at the Areas a number of years ago but it’s a delight to have the other Jim in the bandHarrogate Band

Learning accent

A Band spokesperson told 4BR: “The ‘original’ Jim Shepherd did actually play for us at the Areas a number of years ago but it’s a delight to have the other Jim in the band.

He’s learning our accent quickly and has become a valuable member of our cornet section."