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During their Friday night rehearsal, the band made some new friends. Staying in the same hotel were the players from the James Last Orchestra. Intrigued, the James Last trumpeters asked to listen to Desford's rehearsal. Trumpeter Bob Coassin admitted "After many years of listening to Brass Band recordings played to me on countless tours with Derek Watkins, I loved experiencing Desford's playing live. Their sound was so beautiful, powerful and impressive".
Brass Royalty
Bob was joined by his colleagues Jan Oosthof and Bob and Chuck Findley. These musicians are brass playing royalty. Between them the trumpet players have performed and recorded with the worlds best recording artists, from James Brown to Tower of Power, Earth, Wind and Fire and Robbie Williams.
Desford were over moon to meet these superstars and performed Downie's 'Visions of Gerontius' for them. After rehearsal the band got to know the legends, swapping stories and trading on stage dance moves!
The next day, Desford's 'Last' friends came to support the band in their British Open performance. Bob Finley performed for many years with Herb Alpert and Prince. He commented: "I was amazed at Desford's performance. The band sounded top-class."
On Saturday evening, Desford were guests at the James Last Orchestra's concert in the N.E.C. Six band members were given back stage passes and seats at the front of the audience of twenty thousand.
What an Experience
In the second half of the show Desford players were summoned to join the James Last Orchestra on stage to improvise some jazz solos. It was then back to Birmingham on the 'Last' tour bus, to celebrate Desford's fourth place.
What an experience after a great day of banding.