What is the first music you remember hearing around the house as a child?
Ruby Turner…. before I can remember, it was probably John Coltrane and Miles Davis.
Do you remember when you first realised you had a talent for music and that would be your profession?
My grandad bought me a little keyboard when I was 13, and I really took to it. Soon after, I picked up the clarinet, then progressed to the sax. Although I never really considered it to be what I’ll be doing for the rest of my life.
What do you consider the best decade for music?
We have centuries of good music.
What is right and what is wrong about music in 2026?
In all fairness, I don’t really listen to much contemporary music. I’d say AI isn’t a great idea in music…..but then I guess it depends on how it’s used.
Who is your favourite singer/songwriter?
If I had to choose, it would be Marvin Gaye.
If you had to choose, which would your preference, studio or the stage?
Stage, music is about vibe and energy. That doesn’t exist in the studio.
Superstitious?
Nope.
How do you like to prepare yourself before a live show?
A couple of beers and a little schnapps.
The best concert you have attended?
Sonny Rollins.
Tell us about how you became a member of Climax Blues Band
Like most, I guess, they needed a horn player to dep, and I was available.
If you had to choose one—favourite female singer.
Sarah Vaughan.
What instruments do you play?
Saxophone.
How would you describe your fashion sense?
Absent.
Any tattoos? If not, planning any?🙂
Never. Utterly bizarre thing to do when you could simply buy even better wine with the money!
Favourite venue played in your life.
Couldn’t really say, but it’s usually a small, unassuming little club somewhere and nowhere.
Previous bands before Climax Blues Band?
None really. Spent most of my recent years playing solo or with DJs.
Are there any albums that you rate 10 out of 10 on every track?
Kind of Blue, Miles Davis and What’s Going On, Marvin Gaye.
Is there anything you collect outside of music?
Stray cats and other needy animals…. apparently.
Favourite film soundtrack?
Cavatina, played by John Williams for The Deer Hunter, is one of my favourite themes.
Name a singer you would love to have witnessed in the studio?
James Brown would’ve been amusing.