*
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 podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Ashley DIXON

Ashley's life affirming donation

September 2 • The Foden's baritone player Ashley Dixon has donated her life giving stem cells to help a father of two children.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd