*
banner

Superbrass Saturday: Wade in the Water (arranged Mark Bassey)

Every Saturday Superbrass Music will be showcasing a great release through 4BR — so watch out each week. The first one comes with an extra 24 hours notice...

 

There are plenty of great pieces of music designed especially for brass performers of all ages and abilities at Superbrass — with this arrangement of the famous spiritual showcased as a euphonium solo ideal for any concert programme, but perfectly pitched at players of Second, Third and Fourth Section level.

Arranged by Mark Bassey the solo feature is supported by band and three percussion players on kit, bongos and tambourine

Artists

The song reflects the Israelites escape out of Egypt. There is a popular belief that Wade in the Water contained explicit instructions to fugitive slaves on how to avoid capture.

Over the years it has been covered by the likes of Bob Dylan, Ramsey Lewis, Herb Albert, Big
Mama Thornton and Johnny Griffin. In this arrangement by Mark Bassey, Mark has been
influenced by Norman Symmons fine arrangement for the Johnny Griffin orchestra.

The main chorus goes as follows....
"Wade in the water.
Wade in the water, children.
Wade in the water.
God's gonna trouble the water."

Find out more and listen:

https://www.superbrass.co.uk/product/wade-in-the-water-euphonium-solo

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    


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


fUSION

Brass Fluxus — where brass banding meets avant-garde art

January 8 • Regent Brass joins an artistic fusion of Spike Jones, gags, games, Vaudeville, John Cage and Marcel Duchamp.


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


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.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


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.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd