Curriculum Vitae

Born at Worthing, Sussex, United Kingdom on 14th July, 1952, my early interest in music got me up to Grade 8 (Royal School of Music) piano exams, practical and theory by the time I was 14. Keft school two years later and toured UK and Europe with "Terraplane Blues Band".

Emitgrated to New Zealand in 1973 and two years later joined "Blerta" off-shoot "Rough Justice".

Formed own Jazz Trio "High Risk" based in Wellington and in 1981 joined "Rodger Fox Big Band". Played on two albums and toured Europe including performances at the Montreaux Jazz Festival and London's "Ronnie Scott Club".

Composed and toured with Rock/Jazz Band "Bourgeois Zee" and taught music to an unemployed youth group for Social Welfare Dept. Promoted Jazz concerts for visiting German Jazz artists for Goethe Institute.

Returned to Wellington and undertook a two year residency in a top nightclub and worked as a studio musician (piano and keyboards).

Played and composed for own Jazz Trio resident at Wellington's Plaza International Hotel. Recorded and wrote R.N.Z. radio broadcast.

Was coaxed into moving up to Auckland in 1989. Played with Jazz Cabaret band "Wentworth Brewster and Co." Featured soloist on weekly live T.V. chat show "It's Only Wednesday". This led to a esidency with own Jazz trio at De-Brett's Hotel plus teaching and performing with "Hattie and the Hounds".

Formed Jazz Quintet Strange Fruit to perform exclusively original material and three years later released first solo album entitled "Strange Fruit". Nominated for Jazz Album of the Year at the NZ Music Awards. Performed at Auckland Jazz Fest, Waiheke Jazz Fest. and Taranaki Arts Fest. Composed and recorded Radio NZ programme.

In 1996 Strange Fruit Performed at Wellington Internation ARts Festival and tourned nationally. With the assistance of APRA I compiled and pumbished Kiwi Real Book with pianist and broadcaster Phil Broadhurst.

The following year it was back into the studio to record second album of self-penned songsEavesdropping. Tourned nationally with Strange Fruit including performances at Christchurch Arts Festival and Montana Winter Jazz Series. Received funding from Creative New Zealand to publish a second volume of the Kiwi Real Book.

My compositions have been recorded and performed by the "Rodger Fox Big Band", Hattie St. John and Candy Alderton. They are also used as soundtrack for TV and get regular airing on National Radio and Concert FM.