*
banner

Higgins adds to the playlist

Composer Gavin Higgins was joined by bandleader and saxophonist Emma Rawicz to explore yet more musical DNA links on BBC Radio 4

Higgins
  Gavin Higgins was joined by composer and saxophonist Emma Rawicz.

Composer Gavin Higgins was back in the BBC spotlight this week with his latest appearance of the Radio 4 series 'Add to Playlist'.

The programme hosted by Jeffrey Boakye and Anna Phoebe asks guests to create a playlist that connects genres and styles, spanning eras and global trends.

It continues a journey that now covers 72 episodes that links together a shared musical DNA, which is explored and explained by the presenters and guests.

Gavin returned for the ninth series (he also appeared in the sixth) alongside bandleader, saxophonist and composer Emma Rawicz.

Muddy Waters to Peter Grimes

Taking the baton from the previous programme, Emma selected 'Mannish Boy' by Muddy Waters, which was followed by Gavin's linked choice of the 'Passacaglia' from Benjamin Britten's opera, 'Peter Grimes'.

Then comes 'Bicycle Town — Part I' by Marius Neset, 'Egyptian Reggae' by Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers and finally, 'Bad Reputation' by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

Other music referenced was 'Eejit' by Blazin' Fiddles, 'Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra', Fleetwood Mac's 'Tusk', 'I'm a Man' by Bo Diddley, 'None Shall Escape the Judgement' by Earl Zero and 'I Love Rock n' Roll' by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

To enjoy:

To enjoy: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001zw60

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

Run event reminder for Spring Festival

April 29 • Birmingham will be busy with runners on the Spring Festival weekend


Elgar Howarth

Howarth remembered

April 29 • The musical life and career of Elgar Howarth has been marked by a special programme on Radio 3.


Flowers

Media boost for Flowers after Linz triumph

April 29 • The Flowers Band are in media demand after being crowned European Champion — with a television spotlight tonight.


Saggers

Saggers writes for Portsmouth centenary celebration

April 29 • A new symphonic work for orchestra and 300 voices will help celebrate the centenary of Portsmouth's city status.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd