In this episode I chat to banding icon Ray Farr about his research into the Distin Family and their extraodinary impact on the beginnings of the brass band movement. We discuss the groups origins, tenor horn vs. alto saxhorn, missing testpieces and the wonderful array of instruments being performed at the time.

https://www.rayfarr.com/

Podcast music is Mephistopheles performed by the Illinois Brass Band

https://fanlist.com/brassevolution

In this episode I chat to researcher and relative of Cora Youngblood Corson, James P Gregory Jnr about her trailblazing and complex life and his ongoing discoveries into her significance in opening doors for women brass musicians. We discuss her enterprising beginnings in Anadarko, her rise to fame, jewel encrusted Euphoniums and much more.

The Legend of Cora Youngblood Corson - Youtube Presentation

International Tuba Euphonium Association

Podcast music is Mephistopheles performed by the Illinois Brass Band

https://fanlist.com/brassevolution

In this episode I chat to David Hirst about the origins of the probably the most famous brass band in the world - Black Dyke. We discuss the early contests, instrumentation, local rivalries and some of the legends of the Queensbury band in the Victorian era.

The 'Celebrated' Black Dyke Mills book

The Heritage Centre

Roy Newsome Brass Band Archive