Bear

My original influences were Rory Gallagher and Wishbone Ash followed later by the guitar style of Andy Summers in the Police. A significant moment was when Arnold Bell, (who is from Belfast - also a cracking guitarist and a big influence!), introduced me to JJ Cale.I played bass for a number of years with This Perfect Day on the northern rock circuit. I then played with another great inspiration for me - Craig Morrison - a more laid back musician I am never likely to meet but what a great player! Together with Jan and Paul we put together some great songs. Then I moved back south and was the co founder of Millwood a traditional Irish acoustic band. I was lucky enough to play with a collection of stunning musicians who played some beautiful tunes - even if it was just 'diddley' to me! This also ran alongside a stint of bass playing for the Geoff Sharkey band. Geoff taught me a lot about improvisation - ask him!My next major influence was Martin Abrahams who I met in 1987. He and I set up Local Heroes who are still going strong. We started playing acoustically with two guitars, but soon moved to a more electric sound and I moved back to the bass. The 'kitchen sessions' with Martin were the most inspiring creativity I've ever experienced! We became a full band in 2005 when Will Thomson (who pushed me further up to the dusty end of the guitar neck!) and Andy Knight joined us. I mostly played bass although I did play a little guitar with them. Reluctantly I had to stop playing with them earlier this year for health reasons. Local Heroes still remain my personal best collective musical achievement that I am most proud of. They are a great band!So this year, for the first time in my musical career, I have started performing solo - which is totally different from any other experience I have. I am playing and writing a lot of my own material alongside many songs and arrangements by others that have inspired me.Most recently I have been working with another excellent musician I met in Hastings who encouraged me to 'go it alone' - Dave Paull. I have also been working with him on a collaboration and we start gigging in the new year. I also recently managed to get Amanda to play some bass - notably on the 'Thrilll has gone' - this was a moment in time!I hope you enjoy the music and if you have any comments please add them. Also I would like to thank everyone who has agreed to be included in my friends list - your support is much appreciated!