*
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    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival test-pieces announced

October 14 • Works by Philip Sparke, Robert Redhead and Derek Bourgeois will test the aspiring British Open credentials of the competing bands at the Spring Festival next May.


Ellerby

Yorkshire Youth Band enjoys first Dance moves of new season

October 14 • A new work by composer Martin Ellerby has helped inspire the players on the Yorkshire Youth Band course.


gENEVA

Geneva launch Academy range to give long term term support to players and retailers

October 14 • The Geneva Academy Series is aimed at providing a sustainable musical future for players and retailers alike.


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Chinnor Silver

October 12 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join and enhance our top line.. We are a 1st Section band with a good mix of concerts and contests planned,including a trip to Belgium next year.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd