*
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    


Tim Mutum

The Brass Band Hall of Fame gets published

June 14 • Brass band historian Tim Mutum's new book provides essential portraits of nearly 140 brass band conductors, players and personalities.


Groningen

Result: 2026 Dutch Open

June 14 • Local favourites Provinciale Brassband Groningen reclaims the Dutch Open title on a day of double delight.


Dr Martin

Dr Martin postpones contest until 2027

June 14 • The Dr Martin Wainstones Cup Contest has been postponed this year, but will return with a date already fixed for 2027.


swbba

Entries now open for SWBBA Contest in Torquay

June 14 • The popular own choice event takes place in November — and entries are now open.


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Celebrating the Music of Malcolm Bennett

Sunday 14 June • Venue-Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark-TA9 4NY. . TA9 4NY


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Cambrian Brass

June 14 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


Chinnor Silver

June 13 • We are looking for a Bb TUBA player to join our friendly,enthusiastic,progressive 1st section band.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday and held in our own bandroom.. We have a varied but realistic calendar planned with possible overseas trip in 2027


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

June 12 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd