*
banner

Friday interview with James Fountain

We chat to the principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra following the release of his critically acclaimed debut CD, 'Keep the Music Playing'.

James Fountain
  The release has already gained widespread critical acclaim.

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

It's the Friday interview on 4BR and we are joined by James Fountain the recently appointed Principal Trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Diverse

He's just released his debut CD entitled, 'Keep the Music Playing' which features repertoire as diverse as Handel, Vivaldi, Bach and Schubert through to Piazzolla, Gershwin and Debussy, with Herbert Clarke, Michel Legrand, Ben Hollings and Tom Davoren in the mix as well.

He's also teamed up with a diverse group of musicians — from opera singer Lucy Knight to the Slide Action trombone ensemble, accompanist Elliot Launn, the string group Classical PopUps and Welsh champion Tredegar Band.

Howard Snell said: "The more I listened to his playing on this recording, the more I was under the spell of the music."

He talks about the release, its inspirations and his choices — and what the future holds.

Howard Snell said: "The more I listened to his playing on this recording, the more I was under the spell of the music."

To enjoy:

'Keep the Music Playing' is available from:

www.jamesfountaintrumpet.com

World of Brass at: www.worldofbrass.com

www.Wobplay.com

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    


Spring Festival

Feedback to bring significant changes to Spring Festival

May 20 • The Mortimer family has responded to the feedback from the recent Spring Festival contests in Birmingham as concerns and complaints have been addressed.


UniBrass Band Camp

Time to sign up for Band Camp

May 19 • If you want to enjoy the UniBrass Band Camp experience this year then there is still time to sign up.


Bradwell Silver

Bradwell to celebrate 125th anniversary with special premieres

May 19 • Two newly commissioned works by composers Alan Fernie and Joe Galuszka will help Bradwell Silver Band celebrate its 125th anniversary this weekend.


nybbgb

75 youngsters to enjoy expert NYBBGB audition help

May 19 • 75 young players will enjoy expert tuition help at a trio of 'Ready to Shine' skills workshops later this month with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


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


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Brass

May 20 • Regent Brass (Championship Section) seek a Bb Bass to join our friendly, musically ambitious Central London band. We enjoy a varied and balanced schedule of concerts and contests, and regularly premiere new music.


wantage silver band

May 19 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Harrogate Band

May 19 • We are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete our team. Interesting mix of engagements and contests. Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd