While at Trinity College of Music I was particularly honoured to be taught by Harry Gabb, sub-organist of St. Paul's Cathedral and organist for HM the Queen at St James's Palace. I even sometimes played them in or out of the midweek evensong at St. Paul's on the amazing organ, which is distributed all around the massive cathedral, but of course played from the console above the choir. I sometimes had lessons to suit my tutor's itinerary in the chapel of St. James's Palace. Starting in the Northern Clubs where I played for many talented singers of all styles, from Opera to Ballads, Swing, Musicals, Country and Western, Rock and Roll and Pop. This has been a valuable push towards versatility obviously. This is a I also found myself working with comedians Bernard Manning, Paul Shane (of Hi-de-Hi fame), Johnny Casson, Stan Richards (Emerdale's Seth Armstrong) and many more. Very frequently I backed Jane McDonald on keyboards on her ballad, swing,and latin style repertoire. I soon added playing for good hotels in the Sheffield Area and was a regular for weddings and special events on their grand piano at the four-star Carlton Park Hotel in Rotherham as well as being booked privately to play for weddings around the North. My accordion playing also proved useful for outdoor portions of weddings, such as ceremonies, and the drinks reception. Sometimes I even played piano and accordion on the same occasion. The accordion playing became even more useful when I upgraded to the top Roland accordion series which consists of dozens of different style accordion sounds plus augmentation from "orchestral" sounds. Even when using the great accordion sounds on it I usual switch the bass to a double bass or bass guitar sound, and sometimes guitar chords, which gives more lift and swing to the music, like I was playing with a small band. Unlike previous attempts at making electronic accordions, my Roland accordions are entirely self-contained and do not require to be plugged in to the mains or other modules for most events. Except of course when working in a large hall. They are ready to use just as soon as they are taken out of the case. For my piano work, while I enjoy playing good class grand pianos where they are available, I provide a fine substitute by bringing my top choice of portable to the gig, which is currently a Roland FP-7F which I like for the sensitive touch variation which enables full musical expression, and for its lifelike and pleasant piano sounds. I have been working for the Cornish Wurzells on accordion, which I do not regard as playing folk music, rather pseudo folk pop. They are currently on a break from working due to band member family problems. After this break, and having finally managed to return to my native Cornwall I haver of course left many playing opportunities behind in the North and so have a pretty available diary.
