“I started my musical career playing bass in a dodgy blues band called ‘Reflex Action’. After quickly ditching careers in the police force, fire brigade and as a kiss-o-gram, (to name just three of many…), my interest in playing music full time grew when I moved to Brighton for the second time and got into the local music scene with ‘Panic in Detroit’ playing jazz funk style originals and covers.
Being in that band inspired me to do the Jazz course at Chichester College of Arts, Science and Technology, a course that most if not all the jazz musicians in Brighton traditionally have done. It was during this course in 1994 that I took up playing trombone and performed my first gig on the instrument after only six weeks. Having successfully completed the course I moved North and studied at the City of Leeds College of Music where I learned to dislike jazz but still gained a BA(hons) in Jazz studies. Whilst in Leeds I played in a large and typically unreliable student band called the ‘Smokin’ Goats’ who played essentially 70’s funk and this is where I was introduced to P-Funk, the music of George Clinton and the 70’s super heavy US funk band Parliament.
When I returned to Brighton I set up the 14 piece band THUMPASAURUS. Playing P-Funk covers, the band delighted audiences in and around Brighton with their huge sound and full on stage presence featuring outlandish costumes, (shades, flares and afros), dance routines with more than a splash of humour.
I now run the band OOMPHF, an 8-piece super funk band playing similar music to Thumpasaurus but being half the size it is much easier to manage. I also play in various other funk, soul and Salsa bands in and around Brighton.
I have played bass and trombone on various recordings including Mella Faye and the BIG band and Space Monkey (80’s one hit wonder). I have played with trombonists Ashley Slater [Freakpower with Norman Cook] and more recently Dennis Rollins [Courtney Pine, Brand New Heavies, Jamiroquai].
I feel I have a message of peace love and harmony that I would like to share with the world through this music. The great thing is that things seem to be appearing and falling in to place so I am able to do this. Even though at this moment in time we are only halfway to completing the album I am looking for ways to distribute this product nationally and worldwide. I believe with all my being that this project can and will inspire people to think more on where they are and where they could be. If you are touched, moved and inspired by this possibility and you would like to help either by being involved with or having contacts in the music marketing and distributing industry, financially or just want to offer your support then please
contact me.
Peace, love and thanks.