*
banner

4BR Thursday Interview with Mike Lovatt

We talk Carmen and Billy May, cigars and Arturo Sandoval with Mike Lovatt as he puts the finishing touches to his latest recording project.

Carmen
  The new recording project will be premiered next month

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

It's the Thursday interview on 4BR and we have been able to link up again with trumpet star Mike Lovatt on his way into central London to do something he hasn't done in a while — back to the day job of playing again.

It also comes with the recent announcement of the forthcoming premiere of 'Carmen' — Suite for Brass, arranged by Colin Skinner and performed in homage to the iconic 1958 Billy May recording.

Inspiration

Mike talks about the inspiration and the way in which it was recorded, as well as as the premiere and the link it recalled for him of a thigh-rolled cigar with the great Arturo Sandoval.

Taster:

There is also a fantastic taster to enjoy at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUUD4Hw8Xto

More information:

The premiere of 'Carmen' — Suite for Brass, will take place on Friday 16th July at 8.00pm on Mike's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2291829731144149

For more information go to: https://www.mikelovatt.co.uk/brass-pack

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    


Gray

Tributes for Gray as conductor announces Eccles departure

March 31 • Thanks and best wishes as 16 year partnership between Mareika Gray and Eccles Borough comes to an end.


Brass Band Week

Banding campaigns return this summer

March 31 • Brass Band Week and Proms in the Park return this Summer — so make sure you reach out and connect with your local communities.


gALASHILS

Report & Results: 2026 SBBA Solo & Ensemble Championships

March 31 • There was a fantastic day of competitive solo and ensemble action to enjoy at Bellshill Salvation Army Centre.


BBW

March Edition of Brass Band World magazine out now

March 31 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — packed with interviews, articles, reviews and news...


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


Thornton Cleveleys Band

March 31 • MD VACANCY. Are you the missing piece to our FULL BAND?. We are a NW 3rd section band looking for our new MD. We are based just outside of Blackpool close to the M55 motorway. Mon+Thurs rehearsals.


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.


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd