Jayess Newbiggin Brass Band is proud to bear the name of one of Newbiggin’s most famous sons. Jayess (“J.S.”) are the initials of our former President, James Shepherd, 1936-2023, affectionately remembered as Jim or Jimmy. He was one of the greatest cornet players to ever put mouthpiece to lip in the history of the world, revolutionising the art of cornet playing and a mentor and inspiration to many modern superstars of the current era.
Jim was born in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea on 25 Nov 1936. He began playing at age 11 in the local Newbiggin Colliery Junior Band and later with the senior band and then the Pegswood Colliery Band. At age 18 he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps Staff Band and became its Principal Cornet player.
In 1960 he joined the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band based near Pontefract in Yorkshire. The Musical Director Jack Atherton also conducted the Newbiggin Band from time to time. Jim became the Champion Soloist of Great Britain in 1962 and again in 1963 and 1964.
He joined the world famous Black Dyke Mills Band in 1963 as Principal Cornet, until 1973.
Jim started the iconic James Shepherd Versatile Brass, a 10-piece performing a traditional and contemporary brass repertoire, as well as starting the Queensbury Music Centre and their subsequent band.
As a conductor he enjoyed much success with Jayess Queensbury Band and Newbiggin Band, later renamed Jayess Newbiggin in his honour.
Probably one of the best cornet players in the world, but a quiet and unassuming legend of the brass band movement. A proud family man and a proud Northumbrian.
He died on 22nd June 2023, aged 86.
You can read more about Jim on wikipedia.
