'From Umchucks to Cadenzas' - The Highs and Blows of HIGGY.... The Musical Life of Gordon Higginbottom

'From Umchucks to Cadenzas' - The Highs and Blows of HIGGY.... The Musical Life of Gordon Higginbottom

'From Umchucks to Cadenzas' ... is a strange title for a book, a fact even Gordon Higginbottom the author who is one of the brass band movements true characters agrees, but as you read through his story in this fascinating book all will be revealed. He is someone who it is fair to say as a tenor horn soloist has acheived legendary status throughout the brass band world. Returning to this strange title Gordon explains to the uninitiated or the 'new' generation of players just what 'umchucks' are.... THE BOOK HAS NOW SOLD OUT

Umchucks was the name commonly used to describe after beats. It was common practice for learners to make a 'grunt' sound (um) the quaver beat rests before playing the following quaver. Gordon's first experience of the brass band repertoire was Gilbert and Sullivan music, with page after page of after beats being the order of the day. Gordon's father, a conductor, would often say in rehearsals 'let's try the umchucks now' - 'no tune' just the umchucks. Simple, and that's where his musical journey started.

The book will take the reader on a musical journey from his early start as a young bandsman to being invited to join 'The Famous  CWS (Manchester) Band', under the baton of Alex Mortimer. Gordon went on to play at all the major concert and contest venues both home and abroad.  His musical career saw him being invited to join and play in many of the best brass bands in the UK and a guest player overseas. 

His musical career was enhanced even further when he was invited by the famous cornet player James Shepherd to join what was to become the James Shepherd Versatile Brass.

I was very pleased to be invited by Gordon to become involved in the publishing of his book and would recommend it to everyone who is a current player or retired player from the world of brass bands.

Gordon and Sylvia at the book launch

Gordon and his wife Sylvia at the book launch. The event saw many of his friends attend to share the moment with them. 

 

David Ashworth of Fanfare North Ltd, 5 Queen Street Mill, Two Mills Lane, Mossley OL5 9HP is dealing with all marketing and sales of this new book. He can be contacted at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   or 07785-257129. This 260 page soft back book is £9.99 + £4.75 p/p (UK) and £7.50 p/p (overseas). To pay by cheque please make the cheque payable to DW. Ashworth and post to the above address. 

Paypal is available by sending to:      This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

BACs transfer is also is available - please contact David Ashworth This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the details.  

 

 

 

 

Chris Helme

Mews Publishing (Lightcliffe)

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.chrishelme-brighouse.org.uk 

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