Paul Francis

Paul was introduced to the piano by his father when he was just four years old. He started on hits of the day, rather than scales and simple nursery rhymes or even classical pieces. It was only when he was six that he started more formal tuition under Dr Montague Warlock. With Monty, Paul learned to read music and improvise. It is to Monty that Paul owes his natural flair for playing jazz. Paul went on to play the organ in hotels around Southampton while he was still at school and joined his first band, The Jeff Thomas Showband, when he was just fifteen. The following year saw Paul sight-reading arrangements and backing cabaret acts at the Solent Motel every Saturday night. Paul played the piano at the Mayor's Ball in Southampton for three years running and gave an impromptu performance on the theatre organ in the Guildhall when the cabaret failed to arrive one year. He has played in several bands over the years on a regular basis, but has always freelanced when requested. In one band, Contrast, he was privileged to play before Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Philip at the 60th Anniversary of the Royal Horse Show in the grounds of Windsor Castle. With Andy Carter's Sunset Band, based in Newbury, he played at the centenary ball of the London Federation of Meat Traders in London Guildhall. Paul is a regular pianist for Masonic Ladies' Festivals, has performed at many weddings and birthday parties and is popular in restaurants and hotels for background music. He has given many organ concerts, both on electronic and pipe organs, around the South of England.