I began my musical journey at the age of 5, playing on a piano given to my parents by Eric Jupp, the composer known for the iconic “Skippy the Bush Kangaroo” theme. My early passion for music led me to join my first band during the Fleetwood Mac/Chicken Shack blues era, performing at the legendary Railway Hotel in Wealdstone, owned by the blues and harp legend Cyril Davies.
By 15, I had the thrill of showcasing Farfisa organs at the renowned Marquee Club, a pivotal moment despite not being an official gig. At 18, I ventured into the world of synthesizers, acquiring an EMS AKS, a unique instrument housed in a briefcase. Two years later, I swapped it for a Fender Rhodes Suitcase—a heavy instrument that developed my muscles nicely for temporary work as a truck driver delivering furniture.
Honing my skills, I played in an 8-piece dance band in Bath named Bobby Barrett and the Wimpole Street Brass. My musical journey then brought me back to London, where I joined Unlimited Source, a prominent jazz-funk band featuring Krys Mach, who later played with Level 42.
A memorable chapter unfolded as I toured Germany with the 60s sensation Chris Bennet. Eventually, I settled in Brighton, where I accidentally picked up (and instantly fell in love with) the piano accordion. My debut performance on this instrument was at a Beaujolais Nouveau night, where I played the only three songs I knew and was given a bottle of the aforesaid wine. They said, “Play some more”, so I played the same three songs and was given a second bottle, at which point both the audience and I decided it was enough. But as I improved, I found myself playing in an Americano band that had a weekly gig at The Paris House.
The next phase of my career saw me joining the Keith Marwick Experience alongside percussionist Andy Fraser. Although we were dismissed shortly after, we transformed this setback into a new venture by forming the experimental band Psychospherix.