What are your main instruments?

Flutes.

Are there any other instruments you dabble and tinker with?

Piano.

What is your first vivid musical memory as a child?  Was there a particular moment when a sound or piece of music really captured your attention?

Lying in bed listening to one or more of my brothers and sisters practicing the piano, cello, violin or the clarinet. I vividly recall hearing my brother Vic singing "The Lark In The Clear Air" with a reedy pre voice-breaking quality which was both musical and fragile. That sound is still in my mind even after so many years!  Then there was the every day kind of singing which the family engaged in whilst washing the dishes and the continuous flow of classical music from the kitchen radio. 

How did you end up pursuing music as a career?

When I was 15 or 16 I decided that I wanted to pursue flute playing professionally and by then I had already seen two sisters go off to music college.

How did you end up choosing the flute as your instrument?

I had played the clarinet for a while but was soon discouraged by my older brother Pete's amazing progress on the same instrument.  Then, after hearing an excellent flute player in a local youth orchestra I decided to take up the flute at the age of 14.

Is there anything you really struggle with as a musician?

Answering this question!...Self belief. Often the hardest thing is just picking up the instrument to begin practice. After getting over this hump, then stopping before I injure myself is often the main challenge!

Were there any key moments or key people that have really helped you in your musical journey?

My first flute teacher, Elizabeth Taylor, encouraged me to believe that I could play well.  Several jazz musicians  I met when I moved to Sheffield, encouraged me to improvise. The piano gradually became a compositional tool and one time when I was recovering from an operation I ended up writing what turned out to be my first jazz album, "Journeys from Nether Edge." A follow up..."Dancing Peak To Peak" eventually appeared and of course neither recording would have happened without the musical, artistic and emotional support of Val, my wife who made her personal, stunning contributions to each of the recordings. 

 

John Ball has introduced me to Indian music and while many things bewilder me at times, many things resonate with me..such as the sound of the tabla which was the first sound to get my attention and tell me that there might be some possibilities for me in this music.

What excites you about playing with Indus?

Playing with Indus is exciting because I find myself exploring an environment that is musically challenging and at the same time accompanied by an atmosphere of acceptance generated by the other three musicians.  Without this tolerance and the latitude givenf or experimentation, the task would be too daunting.  But the guys in the band are, thankfully, easy going.

What do you see next for the band?

Another visit to the Penistone cows for more inspiration. More collaborative composition, and hopefully more delicious food!

Do you have a few word to share with other aspiring musicians?

Make sure that you are playing an instrument that you have an aptitude for.  Keep going!  Learn an instrument and you will be in possession of a passport to lands beyond your imagination, lots of fun, travel, food...and more!