Started playing trumpet at the age of 8. Typical teenage rebel and fell out with most local bandleaders by 15 due to not concentrating. Played with NYJO from 17 – 18 years of age, toured with Grover Washington.
Played with simply red and offered contract which I turned down in favour of getting a proper job as my father described it.
Appeared with a number of bands and colleague musicians at Ronnie Scotts.
Took up a teaching position in music for 6 – 8 year olds…….lasted one week and decided that I was not cut out to be a teacher.
Gave up playing until age 24 to concentrate on my career.
Joined a Brass Band and played Euphonium….apparently I wasn’t a bad player but could not hack the discipline.
Lead Trumpet with Les Paul for too many years, fell out due to not concentrating in rehearsals ……( been there before !!! ) …sacked.
Played for a short time with Dave Masters Big band but didn’t relate to the politics of the band……( probably me again !!! )
Depped for two years with just about everybody…and believe it or not often asked more than once…….must have calmed down with age !!!
Employment
After my very brief spell as a professional musician I soon realised that as some of the best musicians in Britain play in the London Subways and those that so called “make it” drive 10 year old battered cars it was not the life for me.
Up to the of 25 I worked in many companies leaving of my own accord in most cases and politely asked to depart in others. Decided on my 25th birthday that I was a unique breed and probably unemployable.
Current day
I head a UK Commercial Property Management Practice and Chartered Surveyors under the name of Brookers Commercial…….Nice name !.
I am the slightly loud and vivacious jazz trumpet player with the legendary Straight No Chaser Big band
………..pick the bones out of this fulfilling life
Oh by the way married twice, four children, lots of maintenance, 2 dogs, three goldfish, 2 guinea pigs, house in the country, lots of paddocks and barns but no horses……………..
Senior Land & Commercial Property Consultant
BROOKERS COMMERCIAL
UK Commercial Property Managers
Sussex Commercial Property Agents
Tel: 0870 060 0209