Lorne Campbell was born into a brass band family. Both his late father, and his uncle were, throughout Scotland, much-admired players.
As a boy, he grew up listening to recordings of the world’s best bands. These included the CWS Manchester band and the `sublime artistry’ of Derek Garside, and Black Dyke Mills Band, with the outstanding James Shepherd and John Clough. Collectively, their playing was `compelling and beyond’.
Aged seven, he was introduced to Grimethorpe Colliery Band’s legendary professional conductor, the late George Thompson, by his father.
He travelled to concerts and contests throughout Scotland with his father. Solo and quartet contests held annually by the Dalmellington Band in Ayrshire was one of the latter’s most enjoyable adjudicating destinations.
His work, as a newspaper photographer, has given him access to many fine brass ensembles and players. He worked with the Hammonds Saltaire Band for a Financial Times Magazine feature alongside journalist Matthew Engel; and has photographed Grimethorpe for The Guardian.
He has contributed photography to the British Bandsman magazine, and takes a keen interest in the fortunes of Kingdom Brass, Fife’s best band, formed from an amalgamation of Cowdenbeath, and Kelty and Blairadam brass bands.
Lorne Campbell is a patron of Kirkby Lonsdale Brass Band in Cumbria.
He has a particular interest in both Gustav Holst’s original brass band compositions, and his orchestral works scored for brass band.
