About me
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I have always owned a guitar since boyhood in Guernsey, however it wasn’t until finishing university in 2001 that I picked it up and started playing seriously. Being a traditionalist, I immediately looked for Classical Guitar lessons in Southampton – where I was living at the time. I was very lucky to be introduced to an excellent player and teacher – Graham Cleaver. Under his tuition I learnt the importance of technique for converting the motions of the arms and hands into music. In 2004 I moved up to Oxford and worked in Radiological Sciences for the NHS. Before long I was looking for a guitar buddy and upon placing an advert on-line hooked up with the guitar teacher and performer, Darrell Walls. Together we formed a Classical Guitar Duet and I served my gigging apprenticeship under Darrell’s guidance. Before long, two had become three as we were joined by the beautiful singer, Lucie May. Together we were ‘Galliarde’. In 2008 Galliarde morphed into ‘Chocolate Cake’, whereupon we were joined by sax, keyboards, another vocalist and the superb all rounder – Paul Booker. We had a lot of fun which culminated in some studio recordings of which we are very proud. Oxford is vibrant and full of musicians and artists. And so it was during my Chocolate Cake period that I was recommended by a Flamenco teacher to a gut bucket jazz band who were looking for a guitar player. The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band have worked hard and are now receiving their rightful recognition and opportunities. I had an enormous amount of fun with this band and learning the rhythm parts spawned my love for the French Gypsy Swing. In 2009, whilst looking for a job outside of the NHS, I cast my eye over Guernsey and found a perfect position at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital. It was a no brainer – the time was right to move back home after 25 years on the “mainland”. Happily re-established on my island, I am determined to build on my solo repertoire and take as many gigging opportunities as possible. My enthusiasm for the Guitar only increases day by day. It never ceases to amaze me how such a simple wooden box with six plastic strings can yield such a vast permutation of musical styles and techniques. Making music on an acoustic guitar is a blend of art, engineering and science. It is a lifelong piece of work. If I were never lucky enough to have another gig – I would still play my guitar everyday! |
 Christchurch Meadow, Oxford |
