My first real interest in making music came at about the age of 15. I had just started work and saved up enough money to buy an ancient drum kit, however, I’m sure it must have been a great relief to my parents and our neighbours when I soon switched to something still in the rhythm section but with a volume control – the electric bass. The reason for this change was that some friends had formed a band but they already had a drummer and needed a bass player – all I had to do was get a bass and I was in! – oh! and then learn to play it of course!
After playing in local bands around Bucks and Beds, I moved to London during the ‘blues boom’ of the late sixties to become a professional player, joining a band called Skywyne. We were quite well known on the blues circuit and became a regular support band at the legendary Marquee Club, opening shows for many of the big names of the day. We also backed American blues artist Eddie Boyd on a UK tour as well as building a following in our own right.
When this band split I found myself living back with my parents looking for a ‘proper’ job to pay my way until I could get back to London, but before I knew it real life caught up with me; marriage, mortgage, family and a job that became a career. It was to be quite a few years before I picked up the bass again.
When I did eventually start again I had no particular musical direction in mind. I went back to some blues, tried a bit of jazz and then had a very enjoyable stint with folk-rock band Penda's Fen which led me to where I am now, playing 'acoustic', folk and folk-dance music.
I also play Irish Bouzouki and Tenor Guitar as well as amusing myself tinkering with the Mandolin, drums and percussion and working with my small home studio setup.
All my Friends here are people I actually know or have met or worked with during my journey through the world of music.
