Originally from North London,
John now lives in Suffolk, close to the charming resort of
Southwold. John's interest in music was initiated by his elder
brother during the early fifties jazz revival period. Having
experimented with all kinds of popular music in the late fifties
and early sixties, the fascination of jazz returned and he
purchased his first double bass in 1965. Soon he formed his own
jazz trio and played in various venues predominantly in the
London area whilst working during the day for the Daily
Telegraph in Fleet Street.
Turning his attention to music
professionally in the mid seventies, John had brief spells with
the 'Brian Knight Blues by Six Band' and the 'Monty
Sunshine Jazzband', before being asked to become a member of
the world renowned 'Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen' in 1977.
During 25 years touring the world with Kenny's band, he made
regular TV appearances, radio broadcasts, royal command
performances and a wealth of recordings. These years also
involved accompanying and playing alongside many of the worlds
top jazz artistes such as Kenny Baker, Bob Barnard,
Acker Bilk, George Chisholm, John Dankworth, Wild Bill Davison,
Peanuts Hucko, Humphrey Lyttelton, George Melly, Jimmy Skidmore,
Martin Taylor etc.
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In more recent years, John has
been concentrating on promoting his own band and also in making
various guest appearances. Although still being involved with
the dixieland scene, he is now indulging in his love of the
music of the swing era. This largely involves the music of the
great American popular composers of the early 20th
century; Gershwin, Porter, Ellington, Carmichael etc. and he has
recently produced and recorded a CD to this effect.
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