So my father played the piano and wrote the arrangements for a 50-piece dance band. Any talent I have, I guess came from him. Song writing (of a sort) started at an early age, but I didn’t learn to play an instrument that encouraged this passion until I was about 10 or 11, when I was given a guitar. With a few chords mastered I became somewhat prolific (and very repetitive), with hours spent locked away writing and recording in my room.
Upon leaving school I began to play on the local scene, hacking at keyboards as much as guitar, despite my limited ability (hey, this was the 80’s and people were topping the charts without even touching the black notes on the keyboard). One band I fronted saw an independent deal fall through at the eleventh hour after the label’s funding disappeared.
As a founder member of the once-popular Northumberland band Morgan le Fay, I know that, for a short period, we really had something special until ego’s, drink and downright foolishness ripped it all apart. I’ll hold my hand up to my fair share of the blame on that one.
I’ve performed in my time in front of crowds as large as 3,000 and as small as 4 (and a whippet). I have continued to write, performing sometimes in bands, but also solo.
These days I attend the odd open mic and there is also, on very rare occasions, a solo gig. I hope to do something more about that soon. The most recent band, ‘Struck13’, whose relationship could be described as 'casual' at best, haven’t exactly split, it’s more like a very long break (I think). I have, in my time, recorded with bands and solo; and I have performed live sessions on local BBC and independent radio.
I own a few guitars, a Taylor 310ce, a couple of Ovation Celebrity's, and a Rickenbacker 330. I can play very basic keyboards and drum a little. I have also just acquired an Irish Bouzouki, which I am attempting to get to grips with. I am 100% self-taught.
I sometimes wonder if I may have wasted what talent I may have. Anytime the opportunity arose to take the road less travelled and gamble on a career in music, the sensible voice in my head has always dissuaded me, and I’ve taken the safe option. I love strong melody, compose whilst often using a strategy of ‘why use one chord when there are five available’ (although I find that my style is simplifying as I age), and I have a love for the English language that sees me striving to write intelligent, and I’d like to think at times, thought-provoking lyrics. So if you have the time then please listen to a track or two, leave a comment, spread the word.