*
banner

Interview with Peter Bassano

We catch up with professional trombonist Peter Bassano to talk about great music, great conductors, great musicians, great stories and recording 'Hey Jude' with The Beatles...

Bassanao
  The book charts Peter's professional life from 1965 to 2000

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

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to professional trombonist Peter Bassano, who for 27 years was a member of the Philharmonia Orchestra, as well as being a hugely respected Professor and Head of Faculty at the Royal College of Music.

He has just published a wonderfully entertaining musical biography entitled, 'Before the Music Stopped' — the life of a professional musicians 1965 — 2000 — which is in turn profoundly serious and laugh at loud funny.

Murphy, Fletcher and Lang

We talks about the book — its curious title, his admiration for its dedicatee Denis Wick, the great conductors and performers who impressed him most — and the wonderful brass players he performed next to — including Maurice Murphy, John Fletcher and Willie Lang.

He also reveals how he also got to play and sing on the iconic Beatles pop hit, 'Hey Jude'.

The book can be purchased through Amazon.

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    


bbe

Progress and challenges reported at BBE AGM

February 16 • The recent Annual General Meeting of Brass Bands England saw reports of consolidation and progress as well as resetting and rebuilding.


Castell Beaumaris

Wright & Round: Castell Beaumaris (Andy Wareham)

February 16 • A new homage addition to the iconic castle marches of the great T.J. Powell from the pen of Andy Wareham.


Italian Brass BAND

New conducting talent supported in Rome

February 16 • The Italian Brass Band continues to help support its emerging brass band culture with its masterclass conducting series.


Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music offers weekend of Youth Brass tuition

February 15 • The RCM Youth Brass weekend will offer youngsters an invaluable opportunity of practical workshops and coaching this April.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Oxted Band

February 17 • CORNET & TROMBONE - Our friendly, ambitious band is looking for a Cornet player (position negotiable) and Trombonists (1st and Bass) to complete our line up for 2026. Led by MD Darrell Scholes, we have a wide range of engagements and events planned.


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 15 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for a Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Tintwistle Band

February 15 • We need a 2nd baritone player to help complete our team. . We are competing in the second section midlands area next month, but due to illness now also need to fill this seat for the contest.. We enjoy a full calendar of concerts,contests,and social events.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd