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My interest in jazz started at school in
Wiltshire. A band was formed and I played guitar. Attending the Bath
Jazz Festival in 1958 to hear Ken Colyer convinced me that the tenor
banjo was the proper instrument for New Orleans bands, so I made the
switch. When the family moved to Essex to 1959, Friday nights were
spent listening to the Eric Silk Southern Jazz Band, which brought
new music friends.
From this came the Ian Grant Jazzmen. I learnt
so much from that band, as well as meeting more musicians. When the
band folded John Baker took up the leadership and formed the Elysian
Ragtime Band. Later Chris Marchant and I joined Kenny & Violet Milne
to form the Criterion Jazz Band. After a period of inactivity Leo
Davis called to ask if I was interested in joining a band to play at
'The Sun' pub in Romford. This band became the Liberty Hall Stompers
and we still play the occasional job. During this time I also played
with Dennis Seabrook's Louisiana Steamboat Jazz Band. Having 'depped'
for John Bright with Redbeans 'n' Rice, it was an easy decision to
join as a regular in 2002 after John left. I also play the bass drum
and manage the Superior Brass Band, incorporating most of the
Liberty Hall Stompers and some of Redbeans 'n' Rice.
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