*
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    


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


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


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd