Hi Folks.
I started playing cornet in a local Brass Band, when Seven years old. I was in love with music from the beginning.
I started work at 14 years of age, and the firm I worked for, had a policy of playing music all day over a Tannoy
System. I soon found out that there was more to music than Brass Bands. At that time Sinatra was making the girls swoon. I also liked him of course.
I soon discovered an inspiration in Harry James, This was when Harry was playing, Flight of the bumble Bee. and
Carnival of Venice because of my Brass Band background
I was fascinated by his dexterity on the trumpet. Other trumpet players I enjoyed were Bunny Berigan Maynard Fergisson – Al Hirt - Kenny Baker – Bobby Pratt. So my first love was/is the trumpet.
When I was 18 years old I Joined the R.A.F. I met a lot of people who like me, loved music, I joined a Big Band Club
And we sat and listened to all the big bands of that era three times a week. I was now well and truly hooked on big band swing. I was twenty years old when I was released from the R.A.F. I returned to the Brass Bands.
I soon yearned for the Big Bands. I bought a trumpet and I practiced as often as I could. I got a spot in a Big Band as a stand in. I was fortunate to play with some really good players, I learned so much from them.
Later I secured a permanent position in the band.
Boy was I made up. I played in the band for nine years.
When the Beatles came on the scene, the Big Bands slowly disappeared. I played in several Seven piece small bands,
But they soon folded in the wake of the Beatles. The majority of punters wanted the Beatles sound and no way, even with some clever arrangements could we compete.
At this time I had a gum disease, and was devastated to find, the only cure was to have my teeth removed. The top ones. The bottom teeth were OK. I had immediate dentures and that night I played. I was in agony, Blood and other things all over the place. Eventually, over a year or so I managed to play again, by using a different embrasure.(mouthpiece on a different part of the lip).
I now found solace with my second choice instrument, The Saxophone, and I put as much work into learning the Sax as I could. Again influenced by the great Sax players.
In 1968 I decided that not a lot of work was available to a solo musician. I was fond of singing, and had been a vocalist in the Big Bands. So I turned to Cabaret. I played trumpet and Saxophone and sang. I auditioned when ever I was allowed to do so by club officials. Not a lot of artists were doing the kind of stuff I did. (Big Band) I was deemed a Multi instrumentalist by the people who accessed cabaret acts. Pretty soon I was booked 12 months in advance. Then I got lucky and began to feature as a support act to the stars of that era. Modesty is getting the better of me at this point, and I cannot say who I played supporting act too.
Twenty years ago I had Bypass surgery. That stopped me performing for 12 months. I went back to Cabaret, and I had to work hard to establish myself again, it is surprising how soon you are forgotten in the show business.
I had now purchased a Lowrey organ, a Heritage, this was the best around (affordable) and I loved it.
I practiced hard, I could already read music of course, but not Bass clef. “Now this I found difficult”. I think a pianist who learns both clefs from the start is best way to learn. Be very familiar with treble clef and learning Bass is Hard. I would always advocate, the best grounding in music is the piano, then a solo instrument of your choice.
I played a gig at a Hotel near to where I live.
The owner of the hotel had a Lowrey Holiday deluxe (Oh the memories). I was tinkering around with it, not a lot of difference to my Lowrey. The owner said he was stuck for an organist the next night and would I play. I explained I was a novice. he said a novice is better than nothing. I agreed.
He asked me again to play. I thought about it, couldn’t sleep at all. The clubs where I was doing Cabaret were really struggling, this, because of the two pints of beer limit the Government had imposed on drivers. Punters were not going to the clubs in the same numbers. Clubs were closing down every week. I said yes to the Hotelier.
That was 12 years ago and I am still there.at 76 years old, I have been doing 3 nights a week. out of season. When the season starts, it will be Six nights, June to November.
“Regrets”. I have not played Trumpet or Sax for the past 12 years. But I still have them.
As for playing at the Hotel this year, I will not be able to.

Please take this as I say it, right from my heart.
My wife of 53 years is very ill. The last rites have been given twice. I am devastated, So sad.

It has taken me three days to write this, a bit at a time.
But talking about the old times and the music memories,
has helped. Because my wife and I share the memories.

Sincerely.
Joe