*
banner

4BR Awards: 2020 Solo CD of the Year

The winner is...

Solo CD of the Year
  Congratulations go to Gary Curtin on winning the Solo CD of the Year

2020 Winner: Eire Time by Gary Curtin

The wonderfully uplifting solo CD from the Foden's euphonium star caught the imagination and first choice preferences of four of our panel, with five podium nominations from others.

Podium finishers

Congratulations to Gary, as well as to the runner-up Richard Marshall ('Sonatina') which gained three first choice preferences, and Glenn Van Looy ('Step Out') which gained two first choice preferences alongside their podium nominations.

Six solo releases gained at least one first choice preference in what was a very close run battle for the 2020 honours.

To enjoy:

Eire Time
Gary Curtin
Foden's Band
Conductor: Michael Fowles
Doyen Recordings: DOY CD401

4BR Review: https://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/products/cd682.asp

To purchase: https://wobplay.com/site/view?asset_id=vnXjA1bjE9


Panel:


The Awards Panel consisted of: Iwan Fox (Editor 4BR); Malcolm Wood (4BR Chief Contributor); Andrew Wainwright (Composer/Arranger/Graphic Designer); Gordon Simpson (statistician Brass Band World magazine); Chris Thomas (Chief Contributor Brass Band World magazine/4BR contributor); Frode Rydland (EBBA Music Commission/ Bjorsvik Brass); David Hirst (Conductor/Adjudicator); Alexander Zwann (Chief contributor CU Brass); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist); Owen Melhuish (President: North Shore Brass New Zealand); Chris Wormald (Conductor/Adjudicator/Arranger); Steve Jack (photographer/4BR, BBW contributor); Stein Skopholm (Broadcaster/presenter)


Past Winners:


2019: The Symphonic Euphonium II — David Childs
2018: Life Force — Peter Moore
2017: The Demonic Virtuoso — Owen Farr
2016: Fantasy — Philip Cobb
2015: Parallel Realities — David Thornton
2014: The Symphonic Euphonium — David Childs
2013: Stories of Life — Glenn Van Looy
2012: Diamonds — Steven Mead
2011: Dreaming of the Masters — Jens Lindemann
2010: Moto Perpetuo — David Childs
2009: Salt of the Earth — Les Neish
2008: Audacious — Steven Mead
2007: Eminence — Richard Marshall
2006: The World of the Euphonium: Volume 5 — Steven Mead
2005: Blaze — Richard Marshall
2004: Legend — Peter Roberts
2003: A Winters Tale — Martin Winter

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    


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • The 2026 Dutch National Championships take place in Utrecht this weekend with 4BR covering the event at the TivoliVredenburg.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


The Dutch Youth Band

Dutch Youth gains national support until 2029

October 21 • The Dutch National Youth Brass Band will be supported by the NBK Foundation until 2029.


Tommy Tynan

Tynan launches online Tuba Shop

October 21 • The Black Dyke Band tuba star has launched his online store that caters for all things low brass.


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


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Yorkshire Imperial

October 21 • Yorkshire Imperial is a high performing band with a proud tradition & we're currently looking for musicians who want to both make outstanding music & enjoy the journey. We have vacancies for BBb Bass, Percussion (tuned & untuned) & 2nd Horn.


Epping Forest Band

October 20 • Friendly and forward thinking 2nd section band requires a Solo Horn and Euphonium player to join our team. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground. We have a sensible mix of contests and concerts throughout the year.


Kibworth Band

October 19 • Kibworth Band (First Section - South Leicestershire) seeking percussionist to join our friendly, ambitious team. Any seat negotiable. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd