Les Neish Tuba Blog

New Website

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:22:00 +0000

I now have a new website and the blog will be closed shortly.

Please go here to look at my new website

Les

NYBBGB - Summer Course

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:24:00 +0000

This Summer I had the pleasure of performing as guest soloist with the National Youth Brass Band of Great. I was on the course for 4 days and had a fantastic time working with the band and Bramwell Tovey. It culminated in two fantastic concerts and here is a review taken from http://www.4barsrest.com/

"Dr Tovey devised the intense programme, and whilst some of the finest bands around would have found the repertoire hard on the lips, the youngsters took it in their stride and grew in strength to perform to a very high standard.Whilst the programme was designed to test the players to a level that reflects their talents, the concerts were also a showcase opportunity too – something that was reflected in the eclectic programme on the night. Following the National Anthem, the band went straight into Rimmer’s colourful march, ‘Salome’ that was full of colour and excitement, and which set the musical scene for the rest of the evening.

Two pieces in the first half came from the pen of Major Leslie Condon. ‘Call of the Righteous’ was written for the Enfield Citadel Band in the 1960s. The work which features the song, ‘When the Roll is called up Yonder’ is dramatic and purposeful and the band delivered a fine performance of this classic work.
The second Condon piece came from tuba soloist, Les Neish. ‘Celestial Morn’ was one of the first composed for solo tuba and it is now an established classic of its genre piece in the Salvation Army repertoire. Les was on tip top form with an intuitive understanding of the music that exploited the full range of the instrument without ever sounding forced.

In between these works came Gilbert Vinter’s playfully lyrical ‘Variations on a Ninth’, written for the National finals in 1964 where John Berryman, who was a tutor on this course was part of the GUS Band that took the coveted trophy.
With 2009 marking the centenary of Vinter’s birth, it could well appear at the RNCM Festival of Brass in January where his music will be showcased. In 1964 it was considered a very demanding work, and whilst it still retains its tricky obstacles Dr Tovey and his troops produced a fine reading.
The main soloists were excellent with Ben Hirons who was leading the band in the first half on principal cornet, soprano, Mark Harrison, horn, Andrew Moore and Matthew White on Principal Euphonium each producing excellent solo cadenzas in particular.
For this year’s Summer course two Joint-Principal Cornets and Leaders were chosen - Ben Hirons and James Fountain. Both were exemplary, with 14 year old James, who plays with GUS on repiano, really stepping up to the plate in the second half with a mature display of confidence that belied his age.

During his tenure as Artistic Director, Dr Tovey has not only set his players challenging programmes but mixes new compositions with classics of the genre.
‘Labour and Love’ was such a choice with the MD giving the old warhorse plenty of opportunity for expression. The players did find it a challenge though, with style and concentration lapsing in places, but it was an invaluable insight for them as performers.

The next two pieces have not had many performances, but are absolute crackers.
Firstly, the collaboration from Dr Tovey, Edward Gregson, Michael Ball, Elgar Howarth and the music of Sir Michael Tippett arranged by Paul Hindmarsh entitled, ‘Variations on the Theme of Michael Tippett’.
The work was premiered by Fodens in 2005 under Bramwell Tovey and the idea was to acknowledge landmark birthdays for both Gregson and Howarth and the centenary of the birth of Tippett.
Dr Tovey admitted he was in two minds whether to include the work or not, but in the end the audience got treated to fourteen minutes of fabulous music making.
The opening entitled ‘Processional' was very regal, whereas the ‘Danse des Amis' was a delight. Gregson's contribution was a lyrical ‘Midsummer Song' whilst Dr Ball's segment was touchingly light and almost dainty. Elgar Howarth returned to the Processional theme and offered musical glimpses from the Tippett opera, ‘King Priam' – all pomp and splendour, whilst the climax came in Wilby's magnificent ‘Birthday Fugue' - a real roller-coaster ride and edge of the seat stuff.

Les Neish then returned for Andy Scott’s ‘Salt of the Earth’. The tuba concerto was given its world premiere back in January at the RNCM Festival of Brass and is a three movement work that tests both the soloist and band to the full.

2nd Mvt. - Salt of the Earth

It’s mix of styles and rhythmic patterns were handles with sheer artistic aplomb by both parties and Les Neish’s interpretation was absolutely nothing short of superb. Les wasn’t quite finished though as he just had enough lip left for ‘Fnugg’ by Oystein Baadsvik – the must have piece for Eb Bass players to show off their virtuoso talents. And what a talent this man is!

The city of Coventry suffered terrible destruction during the war years. Whilst Dr Tovey was associated with the Rigid Containers Band (now known as Virtuosi GUS) he composed ‘Coventry Variations’ a challenging piece that was used at the Areas in 2004. Based notionally on the famous ’Coventry Carol’ it demands much of musicianship and stamina the underlying trauma of the destructive bombing of the city and its results permeates the work. It was a dignified and very accomplished performance to end the concert.

The encores for the NYBBGB concerts do have a traditional feel to them. Firstly, a march, ‘The Cossack’ which was taken at a fine tempo, before the players (with considerable humour it must be said) gave a reprise by humming their parts.
The hymn tune, ‘St Clement’ was much more to their liking with Maestro Tovey once again bringing the best out of his troops and it brought the concert to a fabulous close"

Malcolm Wood - http://www.4barsrest.com/

Many thanks to everyone involved at NYBBGB and to the youngsters of the band who were absolutely fantastic!! I hope they are all still whistling the seocnd mvt of "Salt of the Earth"!!!!!

Brass Band Aid Concert!!

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:10:00 +0000

Children and adults enjoyed a spellbinding concert given by low brass stars – Katrina Marzella and Les Neish, at Alderley Edge Methodist Church on July 10th. The concert was held to raise funds for Brass Band Aid, and also as a farewell to local girl and promising euphonium player, Mimi Nicholson, before she takes up a place at Chetham’s School of Music in September.

The audience were treated to numerous solos from Katrina and Les, which included original compositions and arrangements for baritone and tuba. The first half of the concert also saw Mimi take to the stage and perform a mature performance of Curnow’s Rhapsody for Euphonium, which was well received by the capacity audience. All soloists were accompanied on the piano by Malcolm Forbes Peckham, who played with panache and great understanding of the music.

The second half saw Katrina and Les joined by Matthew White, brass finalist in this year’s BBC Young Musician of the Year, and Chris Doran, principal Eb tuba of the Leyland Band. They performed original compositions and arrangements for tuba quartet, including a stunning performance of J.S. Bach’s Contrapunctus IX. For the finale the quartet were joined by Mimi to play Sousa’s Stars and Stripes to bring the concert to a highly successful conclusion.

The concert raised over £300 for Brass Band Aid; BBA Trustee Katrina was ‘delighted that the concert raised much needed funds for the charity and hopes this concert becomes an annual event’

New Sound Files

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:36:00 +0000

I have eventually added some more sound files to the player on my blog with some help from my good friend and composer Peter Meechan

The new tracks include parts of the live performance of Andy Scott's "Salt of the Earth" from the 2008 RNCM Festival of Brass and a short clip of "Zigeunerweisen" from the Gala Concert of Cornwall Youth Brass Band's Easter Course

Enjoy!!!

Les

Dalmellington Band

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:31:00 +0000

Well, after a great time in Cornwall I travelled up to Scotland to take part in a weekend with the Dalmellington Band. I must admit that it is a place I had never heard of before but after my weekend there, I sure won't forget it

I was asked to adjudicate their Annual Slow Melody Competition, perform some solos with the band and also take a Masterclass with Dalmellington's thriving Youth Band.

I had a fantastic weekend and was amazed to see such an amazing set up. They had a new purpose built bandroom which was absolutely excellent and it was amazing to see such a community spirit in such a small place. Everybody in the area supported the band and the players themselves were 100% committed!!

I must admit that the highlight for me was working with the Youth Band. They are a great bunch and the masterclass was really good fun for all. They responded well to everything I had to say and they even managed to follow my dodgy conducting too!!

We worked on the set piece they were preparing for the National Youth Championships at the RNCM. It was the Youth Band's first visit to the competition and they walked away with a Silver Award which is a great achievement. I am really glad the band did so well and I wish them all the best fro the future!! I really do hope to be back in Dalmellington some time soon!!

Cornish Youth Band

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:47:00 +0000

With over fifty members giving up their Easter holidays to make music, the four day residential Course of the Band culminated in a successful Concert at St Michael’s Church in Newquay on Easter Monday. The Course, which was based at Truro High School for Girls, involved intensive full band rehearsals as well as detailed sectional work with individual instrumental tutors. Directing the Course was Garry Cutt, the Conductor of not one, but two world class brass bands, Fodens and Grimethorpe Colliery. His testing choice of programme encompassed music from the early part of the last century by the legendary William Rimmer, to present day composers, Peter Graham and Kenneth Downie.

The Band was fortunate to be joined by the young Tuba Soloist, Leslie Neish, who flew in direct from an engagement playing for the President of Malta. Three of his solos were first performances of arrangements made especially for him. He also took a Master Class during the Course working with three members of the Bass Section, Rachel Crabb, Jacob Pritchard and Matthew Julian.

The opening march in the Concert was dedicated to memory of the late President of the Band, Micky Hunt, who had passed away just a week before. He had been connected with the Band since 1959 and had given countless hours of service helping the young players improve and enjoy their music making.

The high standard of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band and their dedication to music was commented on by The Mayor of Restormel, Councillor Pat Harvey, who spoke to the audience during the Concert and praised the young musicians and their supportive parents, saying that they were a credit to the County. The musicians, whose ages ranged from eleven to nineteen, came from nineteen parent bands throughout Cornwall and are supported at their monthly Rehearsals, and during the Course, by a team of local Tutors, all of whom have been members of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band in the past.

The Annual Awards of the Band were presented by the Chairman, Leonard Adams. The Youngest Player was James Telling, the Most Promising Player, Caitlin Strike, Most Improved Player, Zoe Teague. The W A Hunt Cup for the Player who had made the Most Conspicuous Contribution to the Band during the year was awarded to Edward Thomas and the Player of the Year was Lowenna Taylor. She also received The Eric Richards Memorial Shield from Mrs Janet Richards after having been voted Players’ Player by her fellow musicians. The A R Trudgian Youth Awards, which are presented at The West of England Bandsman’s Festival in June went to Joanne Rowe and Jacob Pritchard. The Chairman also made a Presentation to David Loukes on his retirement from the post of Senior Tutor and Music Co-ordinator after ten Courses.

SOUNDS OF BRASS

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:05:00 +0000

BROADCAST ON BBC RADIO BRISTOL, CORNWALL, DEVON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GUERNSEY, JERSEY, SOMERSET SOUND, SWINDON & WILTSHIRE EVERY SUNDAY EVENING @ 5 PAST 7
PRODUCED AND PRESENTED BY PHILLIP HUNT
FM Frequencies, BRISTOL 94.9,CORNWALL 95.2, DEVON 103.4, GLOUCESTERSHIRE 104.7,GUERNSEY 93.2, JERSEY 88.8, SWINDON 103.6, WILTSHIRE 104.3.
AVAILABLE LIVE ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB at 19-05 British Time at www.bbc.co.uk/devon or at any time for 7 DAYS after the Broadcast. To hear this weeks programme instantly, click on this direct link NOW, www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/networks/devon/aod.shtml?devon/sounds_of_brass

Listing for Sunday 20th April 2008.

PRAISE Wilfred Heaton
RULE BRITANNIA William Rimmer
PAVANE G Faure arr. Gordon Langford
CELESTIAL MORN Leslie Condon
Tuba Soloist Leslie Neish
SERENADE from THE STUDENT PRINCE S Romburg
arr. Alan Catherwood
Tuba Soloist Leslie Neish
Cornwall Youth Brass Band Conductor Garry Cutt

IN THE HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING E Greig arr. Darrol Barry
Brighouse & Rastrick Band Conductor Richard Evans

A SPECIAL PLACE Goff Richards
Combined Bands of Camborne and St Austell Conductor Goff Richards

SOUNDS OF BRASS Kevin Ackford
Camborne Town Band Conductor Kevin Ackford

THE TREVITHICK DAY DANCE arr. Geoffrey Self
Camborne Town Band Conductor Graham Boag

MYTHIC TREVITHICK Goff Richards
Camborne Town Band Conductor Graham Boag

Malta - Episodes and Echoes

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:09:00 +0000

Well after returning from Florida with the Battle Creek Band, I headed off to Malta with the Wind Orchestra of Sheffield University. Here I had the chance to perform Peter Meechan's Tuba Concerto "Episodes and Echoes"

Peter is a very good friend of mine and I commissioned the work in 2005. I premiered the work at the Beaumaris Festival with the Beaumaris Band that year and then in 2006 I premiered the work in it's wind orchestra version at the Firth Hall with Sheffield University Wind Orchestra.

I was delighted to be invited onto the tour with the band and had a fantastic time. The band performed three concerts in various venues in Malta and the highlight was the final concert of the tour. This was in the old university buildings in Malta and was an invite only concert, which included the President of the Republic of Malta as special guest. The performance of Pete's concerto was very well received and it was a pleasure to perform his work and with Sheffield Wind Orchestra too!!!

Brass Band of Battle Creek - Michigan and Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:19:00 +0000

An all star line up of Brits help Battle Creek in their annual shindig celebrations.
Brass Band of Battle Creek continue to make new friends wherever they perform, and recently gave their annual spring concert in Battle Creek followed by three concerts in Florida, in Sarasota and Englewood. Although the temperature in Michigan was in the region of -3c and Florida was at 24c, the music and performance was just as hot at both venues!

"Although the temperature in Michigan was in the region of -3c and Florida was at 24c, the music and performance was just as hot at both venues!"

Once again the brothers Gray assembled a truly eye-popping in line up of brass artistes, that included Wycliffe Gordon, Mark Lawrence and Mark Frost (trombones), Steve Mead, Matt Tropman, Demondrae Thurman, Gail Robertson (euphoniums and baritones), Les Neish, Marty Eriksson, Phil Sinder, Dean Morley(tubas) as well as a galaxy of stars in the higher brass, including the special guest for the week, Maurice Murphy (ex Principal Trumpet, LSO).

It was a real treat to have Maurice in the band, and the trumpet cornet section were in awe the whole week! Maurice was persuaded to come by his good friend Richard Evans who was also conducting the band this time.

The band’s performance continues to reach new levels and this year the performances included 'Overture to Lawrence of Arabia', 'March from Midway', 'Born On The Fourth of July', 'Theme from Silverado', 'Tonight from West Side Story', as well as 'Baba Yaga/Great Gate of Kiev' and the 'Imperial March' from “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.'

The British contingent consisted of Martin Armstrong and John Rudkin (tenor horns), Mark Frost (bass trombone) Les Neish (Eb tuba) Dean Morley (Bb tuba), Steven Mead (euphonium), Maurice Murphy (trumpet) and Richard Evans (conductor).

SOUNDS OF BRASS

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:38:00 +0000

SOUNDS OF BRASS
BROADCAST ON BBC RADIO BRISTOL, CORNWALL, DEVON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GUERNSEY, JERSEY, SOMERSET SOUND, SWINDON & WILTSHIRE EVERY SUNDAY EVENING @ 5 PAST 7
PRODUCED AND PRESENTED BY PHILLIP HUNT
FM Frequencies, BRISTOL 94.9,CORNWALL 95.2, DEVON 103.4, GLOUCESTERSHIRE 104.7,GUERNSEY 93.2, JERSEY 88.8, SWINDON 103.6, WILTSHIRE 104.3. Repeated on BBC Radio Jersey only at 6pm every Wednesday.

AVAILABLE LIVE ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB at 19-05 British Time at www.bbc.co.uk/devon or at any time for 7 DAYS after the Broadcast.

To hear this weeks programme instantly, click on this direct link NOW, www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/networks/devon/aod.shtml?devon/sounds_of_brass

Listing for Sunday16th March 2008.

ENGLISH FOLK SONGS SUITE R Vaughan Williams arr. D Wright
SWING LOW A Mackereth
Tuba Soloist Leslie Neish
CARNIVAL FOR BRASS F Muscroft
Tuba Soloist Leslie Neish
Fucco Brass Conductor Jonathan Corry

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA A Lloyd Webber arr. Keith Wilkinson
William Davis Construction Group Band Conductor Keith Wilkinson

MEMORY A Lloyd Webber arr. Alan Catherall
Soprano Soloist Peter Roberts
Yorkshire Building Society Band Conductor David King

LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING A Lloyd Webber arr. Stephen Bulla
Mount Charles Youth Band Conductor Jonathan Small

IT’S ALL OVER NOW Womack & Womack arr. Jock McKenzie
Foden’s Richardson Band Conductor Garry Cutt

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Otto Nicolai arr. Howard Lorriman
Black Dyke Band Conductor Nicholas Childs

Badinage review

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 07:31:00 +0000

The latest recording from the group of Salvationist bandsmen known as Fuoco Brass features as their guest Leslie Neish, of Foden’s Band. He presents five contrasting solos, demonstrating both his dexterity and his beautiful tone across the full range of the instrument. Amongst the highlights are the title track, Kevin Norbury’s “Badinage”, Andrew Mackereth’s “Swing Low” and the band’s rendition of Kenneth Downie’s “Music of Thanksgiving”.

For full review click here :- http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/cds/cd350.asp

Salt of the Earth Reviews!!

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:24:00 +0000

Well, after the first performance of Andy Scott's Tuba Concerto, the reviews have now come out in a few of the brass banding magazines and websites. I thoroughly enjoyed playing Andy's piece and I am very much looking forward to performing the piece again and there are also plans to record the piece very soon too!!

"In the world premiere of saxophonist Andy Scott's work for solo tuba and band, Salt of the Earth, the soloist was the band's Leslie Neish, who yet again astonished the audience with some awe-inspiring playing. Beginning with a cadenza, tinged with references to Eastern European folk music, built up a fabulous head of steam - it was difficult for band and soloist, but executed with apparent ease.
The second movement, in a slow 9/8, is reminiscent of an Ella Fitzgerald song. A seven-bar tune was passed around the band, while the soloist wove an improvised line between them. The last movement was a Latin affair and was enjoyed by band, soloist and audience. Full of flair and style, Les Neish was rightly given a standing ovation following a breathtaking performance of a fantastic new piece." Peter Meechan

"As a much sought after saxophonist Andy Scott has spent much of his life in the big band world. As a composer however he is largely self taught. His double concerto for two saxophones and wind band, Dark Rain, earned him a British Composer Award in 2006 whilst his new 'Tuba Concerto' - 'Salt of the Earth', represents his foray into the brass band repertoire.
The concerto’s title is a double-entendre, partly derived from the salt mines near the composer’s Cheshire home and partly, as he mentioned in his introduction prior to the performance, from the “down to earth nature” of the bands people he had so far encountered.
Scott’s trade mark language is a driving fusion of big band sounds, funk rock rhythms and cutting edge cross-over harmonies. On the evidence here it’s a hugely involving and exciting mix and Les Neish and the band simply revelled in it all.
Launching with a daunting unaccompanied cadenza, the opening movement soon gathered momentum, combining the big band influence with rhythms and time signatures derived from Bulgarian folk music and giving the soloist ample opportunity for multiphonic pyrotechnics. Charles Mingus was the inspiration for the laid back slow movement, played with a great feel for the lyrical melodic line by Neish whilst the final movement tested both band and soloist, the band responding in magnificent style with tremendous work from the cornets and trombones in particular. This was one of those pieces that left the feeling of immediately wanting to hear it again; fortunately the forthcoming Radio Three broadcast should give an opportunity for just that." Christopher Thomas

Salt of the Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:53:00 +0000

As I am preparing for a premiere of a new work by the composer Andy Scott I thought it would be a good idea to put up a few pages of the solo part for people to look at. This is a challenging piece but one which I think will be a great addition to the tuba players repertoire. Here are some pages from Salt of the Earth taken form the second and third movements. Also I have included the programme note!! Click on the pages to enlarge them and ENJOY!!

http://www.astute-music.com/online/index.php

A blues-tinged tuba cadenza opens ‘Salt of the Earth’ before moving into a Bulgarian-like folk theme, which alternates with a heavier funk feel. The two multiphonics that frame the movement are inspired by a cadenza that the late great saxophonist Michael Brecker played on the album ‘Some Skunk Funk’. The slower second movement is gospel-influenced, the seven-bar melody being passed around different soloists whilst the solo tuba weaves in and out of the melody in an almost improvisatory way. The third and final movement of ‘Salt of the Earth’ is an explosion of big band latin-jazz, led from the front by the solo tuba!

For more info on the concert featuring this premiere :-

http://www.rncm.ac.uk/component/option,com_events/task,view_detail/agid,538/year,2008/month,01/day,27/Itemid,95/

Castricum in Holland

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:32:00 +0000

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:07:00 +0000

Well 2007 was a good year from me with lots of playing and travelling. My 2007 started with a bang with a solo recital at the Bridgewater Hall and the start to 2008 isn't going to be any different!! I will travel out to Holland with euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead on to perform as part of the Dutch Tuba Euphonium Festival It will be a great day of masterclasses and will culminate in a concert on the Saturday evening where Steve and myself will play some solos!!

This will be my first performance in Holland and I'm very much looking forward to it!! On my return from Holland, things don't stop with a lunchtime recital with Tubalate and then a world premiere of a new solo work by Andy Scott.

I commissioned Andy to write a new work for tuba and brass band after recieving an award from the BBC Fame Academy Bursary. I wanted to try and use some of the extended techniques wihich are possible on the tuba to try to create a piece in a very funky style. I recieved a copy of the solo part a few days ago and Andy has certainly done that!! It looks very challenging but will be a great piece to work on.

Over the next few days I hope to include a page or two from the work on the blog for people to have a look at. The work will be given it's world premiere at the RNCM Festival of Brass on 27th January with the Fodens Band.

Happy New Year and have a great 2008!!!

Les

Workshop in Castlerea - Ireland

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:35:00 +0000

I have just returned from a very succesfull trip out to Southern Ireland and a place called where I performed a small recital and put the brass section of the Roscommon County Youth Orchestra through their paces!!

This was my first trip out to Castlerea to hear the youngsters play, in what is a very ambitious project by the Roscommon County Council and Roscommon V.E.C. with the support of Mid-South Roscommon LEADER Company. They want to develop participation in music by young people (something which I am very keen about) and in the coming years they want to develop a Youth Orchestra in the county. This is a very ambitious task as they will be building up a youth orchestra from scratch, section by section!!

I performed Dumitru Ionel's Rumanian Dance No. 2, The Swan, Variations in Olden Style by Thomas Stevens, Monti's Czardas and I couldn't resist performing the Posthorn Galop on a hospepipe!!

I then took the youngsters through some fun warm up and breathing games before I took them through the two pieces they were preparing for Chrsitmas. The youngsters did very well as some of them had only been playing for a few months or even weeks!! They made a great sound and I was very impressed by the level of playing. They were a great bunch and joined in well as I picked on a few players highlighting the importance of good posture and breathing to help with a good sound!!

It was a great day, well organised by Nathan Power and I am very much looking forward to heading out there again in the near future to work with the youngsters again!!

For more info on the project http://www.roscommonarts.com/

Tuba Travel Troubles!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 11:19:00 +0000

Les Neish may have eventually returned home from the USA, but his beloved tuba took a much more interesting route home...

After a fantastic week out in Michigan with the Brass Band of Battle Creek, including the American Premiere of Brass Band Battle Creek, tuba star Les Neish enjoyed a rather eventful journey home.

After mechanical failure on the plane from Detroit, Les, Martin Armstrong and John Rudkin were heavily delayed into New York, which meant them missing their connection home to Manchester.

At this point the trio were put on the same flight the next day and put up in a rather suspect hotel, minus their bags which were full of expensive Christmas presents.

The next day and after the 7 hour flight home, the lads arrived at 9am into Manchester Airport to find all their bags had arrived except Les's tuba!

'Nil desperandum!', as Les, who now had less than 4 hours before he performed with the Tubalate group that afternoon called Ben Thomson, who depped for him.

Frantic calls to Delta airlines were made and all they could tell Les was that it his prized tuba was lost and they were trying to trace it’s location. That they did - in Madrid!

Eventually it was flown back via Frankfurt in Germany and delivered to Les's house by courier, still in one piece!!

The joys of being an international traveler!

Fnugg Video

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 17:09:00 +0000

Here is a recent video of me performing Oystein Baadsvik's Fnugg. I do enjoy playing this fantastic piece and it is always well recieved wherever I play it!! This is from a masterclass in a school in Northern Ireland!!

Enjoy!!!

Les

Badinage Recording

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:49:00 +0000

The CD "Badinage" is due for release on the 15th December. Just in time for Christmas!!!

I had a fantastic weekend recording the CD and am very much looking forward to hearing the finished article. To see some more pictures from the recording session click here

To pre-order your copy click here

Les

My travels with my tuba!!

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:50:00 +0000

Well I have decided to add a few pics of my travels over the last few months!! I have been performing all over the UK, with numerous performances in Northern Ireland and in Scotland.

Hope you enjoy these first few pictures!! Just click on the slideshow to start and then move your pointer over a picture to enlarge it. If you would like to see a larger version of the picture and see other features available just click on it!!

Enjoy!!

Les

Welcome to my new blog!!

noreply@blogger.com (Les Neish) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 00:17:00 +0000

After a few years of having a blog featured on http://www.brass-forum.co.uk/, I have decided that rather than just updating my blog with long paragraphs of text I'm going to try and keep it updated with pictures from my travels with my tuba!!

Hopefully this will be more interesting to read and give you a better insight into my life as a tuba player!! The next few months will see me performing all over the UK, in Europe and America and I hope I will have some great experiences to share on the blog!!

Also, check out the links section of my page. If anyone would like a link added to the page then please contact me and I would be happy to add it to the list. Check out the news feed from http://www.4barsrest.com/ too. This is a great website which must be visited by anyone who has an interest in brass playing and especially brass bands! Just click on any of the news items from the feed to find out more!!

Well, I think that is enough for now!! I'll be updating the blog very soon!!

Les