Graham Snell a.k.a Mack Hobley
Born 1923 to professional travelling musicians
Lamar and Bella the young Hobley was playing lead Alto in his parents
band at the age of 3 and half. He continued to develop his flawless technique
and golden tone during his teenage years, his outstanding talent and film
star good looks made him an obvious choice of various Companies to promote
their product, from Baked Beans to Washing Powder.He also hosted a successful
Radio talent show 'Hobleys Happy Hullabaloo' .
During the War Hobley avoided being called up by disguising himself as a woman, he/she played first kazoo and saxophone in 'Countess Bessie's Swinging Divas' , known as the 'the tall hairy one' he went on to great critical acclaim,releasing many fine solo albums and was named Jazz Musician of the year in all of the days respected music publications. Sadly his dazzling career was cut short when an incident involving a drunken G.I. ruined his best dress,reputation and destroyed his beloved 'Buescher Aristocrat Alto Sax in silver plate'. Inconsolable over the loss of his horn he took to drink, drugs and loose women and his life and career spiralled out of control.In 1944 he volunteered for a cryogenic experiment and was frozen until a time when technology had advanced to a level that could rebuild his much lamented Buescher.
His frozen body was forgotten about until 1980 when an accident at the Cryogenic Centre in Peckham Sarf London began the thawing process. During this process he partly lost his ability to play the sax and read music.After switching to Tenor Sax ,changing his name to Graham Snell and playing for years in soul and funk bands he returned to his first love 'Jazz'.His talents were brought back from the brink after studying with local Jazz Guru Alan 'The Man' Sandilands and is now playing Tenor Sax in Big Band 'Straight No Chaser'
