*
banner

4BR Monday Interview with Matt Ford

4BR catches up with the fantastic Big Band singer as he prepares to return to concert performances — starting with a gig at the iconic Ronnie Scott's night club this weekend.

Matt Ford
  Matt Ford has performed all over the world — including with Foden's Band

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR catches up with the fantastic Big Band singer Matt Ford as he prepares to return to concert performances — starting with a gig at the iconic Ronnie Scott's night club this weekend.

As with a huge number of professional musicians his musical life was turned upside down in 2020 with Covid-19 — losing 18 moths of bookings in the process.

Kept busy

However, as he tells 4BR Editor Iwan Fox — he has been keeping busy — from shelf stacking at Lidl and grass cutting for the local council to becoming part of the NHS vaccination teams.

He has also set up a fantastic new musical initiative entitled 'Sing, Swing, Sing' which offers free lessons to people aged over 65 in his local area to learn how to sing in the authentic big band, swing style.

He talks all about its aims and ethos and how he hopes it will help reduce isolation, build self confidence and even get a new generation of people loving the classics found in the Great American Songbook.

Performance this weekend

All this and he is getting ready to return to the stage for a special online performance at the iconic Ronnie Scott's nightclub on Saturday evening (17th April at 8.00pm).

Find out more:

To find out more about sing, swing, swing go to: www.singswingsing.com

Or to: www.mattford.info

www.ronniescotts.co.uk/scheduledaily/2021/April/17

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    


Youth Brass 2000

Results: 2026 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 29 • There were competitive titles for Youth Brass 2000, St Austell Youth and Elland Silver as well as plenty of great non-competitive performances to enjoy in Birmingham.


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


Adams

Trombone stars add to Adams artist line-up

March 28 • Tom Challinor and Jonathan Pippen have become Adams Artists.


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

March 29 • Bb AND Eb BASSES WANTED!. We are a friendly 1st section band based in Nottingham - rehearsal Thursday Evening. We have an exciting year planned with a visit to Whit Friday and a place secured at the nationals following our success at the midlands area!


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd