Jim Hayes

Jim Hayes is an international soloist and plays principal cornet at The Cooperation Band in Scotland. In recording his 4 studio albums under the alter-ego, Jonny Midnight, Jim has found success with his fan base far and wide throughout the brass community.

Jim is native to Sunderland. Jim’s love of music began when aged 10, he inherited from his great grandfather, an old trumpet. Not long after this, he joined Monkwearmouth Colliery Band, his first band. Jim’s playing thrived and aged just 13, he soon progressed to the position of principal cornet. He has held this position in every other band that he has played with.

At the age of 16, he moved to Silksworth Colliery Band, where he enjoyed many successful years until he moved on to the British Steel Teeside Band. Here, his career really blossomed as a soloist and within a few years, he won more that 20 soloist awards. Jim then signed for the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, who were the Yorkshire champions at the time. Again, he enjoyed much success here.

A brief period at Ransomes Band came next, before Jim moved on to play at the Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) Band in Glasgow, as it was then called. He stayed here for a number of years and again, was very successful in his seat. Reg Vardy Band came next, which was closer to home for him. However, 18 months later, saw him lured back to Scotland again for a stint with the same band, now titled the Scottish Funeralcare Co-op Band, where he remains to this day.

Jim Hayes has enjoyed massive success, winning such accolades as the ‘4barsrest All England Masters Soloist’ and the All England Masters Soloist. He is also a Geneva Instruments artist, who developed the Geneva Verbier Cornet and he is also an ambassador for K&G Mouthpiece.

He has also had notable success as alter-ego ‘Jonny Midnight.’ He has released 4 CDs to date, beginning in 2011 with the release of his outstanding debut CD Dial M for Midnight, which features James McFadyen’s gorgeous arrangement of Debussy’s Clair de Lune.

Following its success, two years later, he released A Second from Midnight, which was well received. A highlight of this CD is the dark and sexy arrangement of Singin’ in the Rain penned by James McFadyen. Kill Day, an original piece for cornet and brass band showcases Jim’s artistic flair in this dynamic and effective piece.

2016 saw Jim’s widely anticipated third CD Angels will Fall released, with the title track Angels will Fall composed especially by James McFadyen.

2021 saw the release of his best work yet. Titled The Edge of Forever. Again, this CD was extremely successful and demonstrates his beautiful sound, as can be heard on this magical arrangement of Shenandoah.

Jim is much in demand as a guest cornet player. His talent has taken him around the world. His beautiful sound has led to a flourishing career.