*
banner

Ford to make big band return

Matt Ford will be leading the musical celebrations in honour of Len Phillips Big Band in a free live-streamed concert from the famous Abbey Road Studios next month.

fORD
  Matt Ford has built up a growing fan base from the brass band world

Big band singer Matt Ford, who has been a welcome guest vocalist with Foden's Band amongst others in the past, will be making a return to performance at the legendary Abbey Road Studios next month for a live streamed concert.

He will be leading the musical celebrations in honour of the Len Phillips Big Band which has been entertaining lovers of swing music across the UK and around the world for the past 30 years.

Free concert

Whilst recording a new album on 20th March, the 17-piece ensemble will also be performing the first livestream 'Big Band Concert' from the legendary recording venue as a tribute to Len Phillips who sadly passed away earlier this year.

The band is regularly heard on BBC Radio 2 as well as with their popular live performances at The Ritz in London. They have also played at the world famous Moscow Viennese Ball.

It's all free as well — so why not join Matt and the band for some fabulous music making4BR

Fab music

It's all free as well — so why not join Matt and the band for some fabulous music making.

No ticket required. Go to the Len Phillips Big Band Facebook page or YouTube channel to watch. The concert will also be available to view for a further two weeks if you miss it live.

https://www.facebook.com/LenPhillipsBigBand/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAloIA41sFe-6z6sj-3qIVw

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    


Presto CDs

Presto Music Collection: Six more to add to your playlist

January 1 • New and old CDs from David Childs and John Wilson to Black Dyke and Williams Fairey.


Richard Marshall

Marshall makes Riverside connection with baton

January 1 • Richard Marshall becomes part of the conducting team spearheading NASUWT Riverside in 2026.


RWCMD

New Year financial boost for RWCM&D

January 1 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama gains nearly two million pounds in funding to help provide its core delivery of performance based music and drama.


Presidential role for Dame Errollyn Wallen CBE

January 1 • The critically acclaimed composer has become the new President of The Royal Society of Musicians.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tintwistle Band

January 1 • We have a vacancy for an Eb bass player to complete our bass section.. We are looking forward to competing in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We rehearse Monday&Thursday 8-10pm in our own bandroom under the baton of our MD Jim Henson.


Croy Silver Band

January 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd