*
banner

The Midnight Man set to return again

Johnny Midnight will be making a musical reappearance as he starts work on his third CD release.

Jim Hayes
 

Jim Hayes, aka 'Johnny Midnight', is at it again.

Hot on the heels of his previous brace of successful CD releases, the principal cornet of the Co-operative Funeralcare Band is preparing for a third recording session with Scotland's most successful contesting band.

Double identity

And as he told 4BR, he is still thoroughly enjoying his double-identity musical life.

"I love entertaining when I perform,"he said. "'There was a gap in the market after Allan Morrison semi-retired and nobody was really making CDs with jazz influences — music that anybody could listen to and enjoy, not just the traditional brass band audiences. That's just what I like doing."

Dedicated fans

Jim has been able to build up a dedicated following of fans — as well as an enviable stable of composers delighted to work with him.

"4BR was really helpful in the early days', Jim explains. "They put the word out, attracted interest, and the response was brilliant. We actually had too many pieces for the first recording and it was really tricky to choose the final set."

No discounts

Jim learnt quickly not to discount anything though. "I always wait until I've heard the band parts. The interaction with them is what makes the whole experience worthwhile.

I remember when Pete Meechan sent 'Apex' — the solo part didn't seem that interesting, but then I played it with the band it was...wow!"

Keep happy

So what can we expect on his latest release?

As always, Jim is keen to make his listeners happy. "The first CD was a terrific success, but if I had to be critical I'd say it was probably a bit too reliant on similar styles. My aim with number three is to ensure a bit more variety."

Reprise role

Jim has struck up a strong working relationship with conductor Michael Fowles, who reprises his role as recording MD.

He adds: "Mike is one of the best around. He makes sure everything is well-rehearsed and has a plan for each session. He's so consistent as well as seriously picky, which means that the final recording is always of high quality.

I remember the first time I turned up to an editing session with one sheet of comments — he probably had twenty!"

Jim is such a great performer, and he has a superb understanding of how to reach people with his music. We're all looking forward to working with him and Mike on another exciting releaseCo-operative Funeralcare Band.

Great performer

Meanwhile, Band Chairman Chris Davies is delighted Co-operative Funeralcare will be working on this project.

He added: "Jim is such a great performer, and he has a superb understanding of how to reach people with his music. We're all looking forward to working with him and Mike on another exciting release.

Hopefully we'll be getting a CD launch concert in the diary soon, so keep your eyes peeled!'

The release date is yet to be confirmed, but Jim will record his third album with the Co-op Band on the 13th and 14th of February.

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    


4BR interview

4BR Podcast Interview: Episode 4

July 6 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to social media content creator George Reece to find out more about his cool look at why brass bands compete against each other...


Wellinton

Results: 2025 New Zealand National Championships

July 6 • Wellington Brass continues its national domination in Christchurch, with section honours going to St Kilda, Levin & Districts, New Brighton Silver an


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


James Garlick

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd