Professional trombonist Paul Fisher is taking a short sabbatical from his conducting duties at Amersham Band to join iconic British Ska band 'The Specials' as they launch their critically acclaimed new album 'Encore' on a month long tour to the USA and Canada.

Paul has toured and recorded with many artists including, Madness, Jools Holland, Gloria Estefan, The Temptations and Frankie Valli, and is looking forward to the 20 date tour starting in Vancouver and taking in the US cities of Seattle, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego, Chicago, New York and Boston before heading back into Canada and finishing in Toronto.

Ghost Town

The Specials were formed in 1977 and have enjoyed considerable popular as well as critical acclaim ever since with songs such as 'Too Much Too Young', 'Free Nelson Mandela' and the legendary number 1 hit 'Ghost Town'.

He told 4BR: "It's going to be a great tour with a great band! There's lots of playing to do as so many of their hits have been influenced by the trombone great Rico Rodriguez and more recently the brilliant Tim Smart, but I'm really looking forward to the challenge."

There's lots of playing to do as so many of their hits have been influenced by the trombone great Rico Rodriguez and more recently the brilliant Tim Smart, but I'm really looking forward to the challengePaul Fisher

Cobb

Paul also told 4BR that he is thrilled that Dr Stephen Cobb, Bandmaster of the International Staff Band will be stepping into his shoes at Amersham whilst he is away.

"The band have recently worked with Steve and absolutely loved the experience, so I know they will love my time away too!"

Paul will be back in time to lead Amersham at a high profile Great Exhibition event in London on the 30th June before they start putting in the hours of rehearsal ahead of their Cheltenham National Finals appearance — their sixth in nine years under his baton.