*
banner

The Lusher sound of Baker

Brett Baker has paid tribute to the great Don Lusher with his latest audio release

Brett Baker
  Brett Baker pays tribute to the great Don Lusher on the release

Black Dyke star Brett Baker has just released a new audio album entitled, 'Aspects of Don usher' — inspired by the legendary trombonist.

Brett has linked up with the 10 piece JSVB Tribute Band and IBB Media to release the series of arrangements made by Kevin Holdgate, Ian Jones and Mark Leigh.

Favourites

As well as favourites such as 'Concert Variations' and 'Suite for Trombone', lesser known works also get the spotlight treatment such as 'Swinging Down the Alley' and a new take on the iconic 'Making Whoopie'.

The album also features pieces recorded with the Don Lusher Quartet that were until now only available on vinyl such as, 'What are you doing the rest of your Life' and 'Without a Song', as well as Don's own arrangements of 'The Typewriter' and 'DL Blues'.

Many of the arrangements that have been adapted are from brass band versions by Bill Geldard such as, 'Dark Eyes', 'Londonderry Air' and 'I Love's you Porgy'.

Tribute album

Speaking about the project, Brett said: "I've been keen to record a tribute album of Don's compositions and arrangements for some time, and the pandemic was an opportunity to try and do something different with a wonderful group of players.

Don was an inspiration to me growing up and I am aware a lot of the younger players have no idea of the wealth of repertoire he performed so brilliantly."

I hope these new takes on these solos, which work so well with a smaller ensemble will be enjoyed and rediscovered by another generation as well as people that remember hearing the great man liveBrett Baker

Exceptional

He added: "His ballad playing was exceptional and reminiscent of the great Tommy Dorsey at his best. I hope these new takes on these solos, which work so well with a smaller ensemble will be enjoyed and rediscovered by another generation as well as people that remember hearing the great man live."

Copies

For copies of the download please visit: www.downplay.store or contact Brett Baker via his website.

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    


4BR

4BR Review — Episode 23

October 10 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall in London last weekend — and some of the questions that arose from it.


Gregson

Gregson set for Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance

October 10 • Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' is to be performed by the symphonic brass and percussion ensemble of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra later this year.


Navigation Inn

Time please — as Navigation Inn closes doors...

October 10 • The most famous brass band pub in the world has closed its doors — perhaps for the very last time.


Blackford

Orbital countdown for Tredegar

October 10 • The fourth of the commissioning bands will perform Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in West Sussex later today as Tredegar get ready for lift off in Ardingly.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Bedford Town Band - Autumn Concert also featuring our Academy

Saturday 10 October • Putnoe Heights Church. Putnoe Heights. Bedford MK41 8EB


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

October 11 • We are looking for a repiano cornet player to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts and contests all year round.


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd