British Bandsman, 4barsrest and Brass Band World Solo CD of the Year 2009.
"If ever there was a convincing advocate of the tuba, it's Les. His playing reaches out from the stage, picks you up by the scruff of the neck and says 'listen to me'." Stephanie Hughes (BBC Radio)
"The player who most reminds me of John Fletcher today is Les Neish." Bramwell Tovey (Music Director, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra)
Les Neish has become one of the leading tuba players of his generation. His endeavours have gained him recognition as a soloist, chamber musician and educator throughout the world.
He gained a First Class Honours degree, Professional Performance Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction from the Royal Northern College of Music and, following graduation, was taken onto the RNCM staff as a chamber music coach and tuba tutor in the Junior School. He was the first ever tuba player to be awarded the Worshipful Company of Dyers Award for Wind and Brass at the Royal Overseas League Competition and he gave the first solo tuba recital at The Bridgewater Hall Manchester.
This recording is a snapshot of the different styles of music that Les has performed in concerts and recitals over the years culminating in the title track, Salt of the Earth by Andy Scott. Salt of the Earth was composed for Les and Foden's Band with funds made available from the BBC Fame Academy Education Bursary and Worshipful Company of Musicians in recognition of the composer's success in winning the Wind Band and Brass Band section of the British Composer Awards 2006. The World Premiere performance was given by Les and Foden's Band at the Royal Northern College of Music Festival of Brass in January 2008.
