York Theatre Royal – Saturday 31st October 2025
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
5*****
On Friday night, All Hallows Eve, I was not out trawling the streets trick or treating, instead I attended a special event at York Theatre Royal. Local York band, New York Brass Band, faced Birmingham’s Heavy Beat Brass Band. Having seen NYBB many years ago and loving their vibe I was eager to see them perform again and hoped they would meet my expectations. I’m glad to say that the whole evening lived up to them.
This isn’t your traditional, colliery style music, no NYBB and HBBB take their inspiration from the vibrant New Orleans jazz scene. The evening was billed as a night of thunderous brass, irresistible rhythm as two bands take centre stage in a spectacular brass battle. A night of funk, soul and the best brass musicians that York and Birmingham have to offer.
What makes this battle so much more interesting though is family. James created NYBB back in 2011, now his adult children, Joe and Grace play alongside him, but Charlie, his youngest has gone on to pastures new and now plays with HBBB, as does his wife Elita. Family connections don’t end there, HBBB also have a pair of brothers, Alex and Max, with Alex’s wife also joining the band.
The battle began with “Let’s Get It Started” by the Black Eyed Peas, performed by HBBB, energising York Theatre Royal. Each band had the chance to show off their talent and were allowed to shine in the opening half. However, it was the second half that the magic truly happened as the two bands united on the stage, bonded in a shared love of the music they were playing.
During each bands stint, there were attempts at playful sabotage and light-hearted rivalry, but it was never a true battle, this was just an occasion to celebrate and enjoy the talent on stage as a whole. Both bands featured nine core musicians, with two “guests” making appearances on a couple of numbers after the interval. We got to hear a wide range of eclectic numbers from “You Can Call Me All”, “I’m Coming Out”, “Man! I Feel Like A Woman”, to the more traditional “When The Saints Go Marching In”, and because it was Halloween we also got to hear “Thriller” and The Specials “Ghost Town”. My favourite of the night was “Get Lucky”, which was echoed in the comments I heard whilst leaving the theatre.
The audience at York Theatre Royal can be a bit reserved, but this dynamic brass showcase, with a culmination of twenty artists, had us up on our feet singing and dancing by the end.
I am very lucky to be visiting New Orleans in February for the end of Mardis Gras next year, and this experience has only whetted my appetite.
Both bands are available to hire for parties, weddings and events, I would encourage anyone to book either band. If you enjoy an explosive energetic party atmosphere you won’t be disappointed. NYBB’s next public performance will be at the Milton Rooms in Malton as part of the Acorn Community Care fundraising event on Saturday 15th Novemember.