*
banner

Gourlay and Neish join Besson trio for Friday night entertainment

The brilliant tuba entertainers James Gourlay and Les Neish join the Besson trio of Harper, Mead and Webster for a great Friday night of chat, opinion and plenty of fun...

NeishGourlay
  The two tuba stars join the Besson trio this evening

There is the ideal opportunity to sit back and enjoy some great musical chat and opinions with the latest episode of 'Besson Fridays at Home', which will be aired at 6.00pm this evening.

Special guests with Philip Harper, Steven Mead and Roger Webster are the tuba tyros of James Gourlay and Les Neish.

Finest

The duo are regarded as two of the finest exponents of their trade in the musical world as well as being hugely respected teachers and conductors of note!

Les also studied with James at the Royal Northern College of Music some years ago (although they don't want to reveal just how far back it was!) and so the programme takes the opportunity to find out more about their joint experiences and memories as well as what they have been up to of late.

Great entertainment

There is plenty of great entertainment packed into the show — with clips of both performing interspersed with the chat and fun.

James tells us all about the River City Brass Band in Pittsburgh and gives us a fascinating insight into the workings of this incredible professional ensemble. Meanwhile, Les tells us more about his background, his family responsibilities and we even get a glimpse of his young daughter conducting.

There is plenty of great entertainment packed into the show — with clips of both performing interspersed with the chat and fun4BR

Quiz

The climax of the show this week is a rather extraordinary tuba quiz which hosts Phillip Harper, Steven Mead and Roger Webster had prepared for the virtuoso guests!

It's not to be missed!

Enjoy

Enjoy at: https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/

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    


Tourist

Could a tourist tax benefit brass bands?

October 31 • The Cultural Policy Unit and MPs back a tourist tax to support cultural attractions, creative districts and grassroots venues.


Isobel Daws

Daws focus to help musicians plan for a better playing future

October 31 • The critically acclaimed trombone soloist Isobel Daws has launched 'practice with focus' to help musicians develop their playing in a more effective way.


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

October 31 • The latest episode of the Radio 3 programme will be aired this Sunday.


Tredegar Band

New signings at Tredegar as 150th celebrations come closer

October 31 • Four new signings join the Welsh band as they look to celebrate 150 years of proud history.


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The KNDS Fairey Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 November • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Regent Brass

October 30 • Regent Brass (MD Alan Duguid) have a vacancy for Bass Trombone.. We are a friendly and progressive championship section band regularly promoting new music and actively pursues a varied performance schedule. .


Tintwistle Band

October 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Olney Brass

October 27 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for: - CORNETS (Front & Back Row) - SOLO HORN - Eb BASS Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd