Originally from "owdam" Oldham, now reside Blackpool and have lived here for the past 23 years. I started playing guitar at about seven years old, entirely self taught on a new plastic red and white guitar... probably a Christmas present. I later on progressed to a second hand shop battered cheap folky guitar which cost about thirty bob...probably for a birthday, with not a hint of low action in sight and rusty strings. That shredded fingers literally and had what I would now recognise as a warped neck.. sold by a 'warped shop keeper', but i was a happy chappy. Aided by a red "Bert Weedon - Play In A Day" book that belonged to my brother. No fancy tuition DVD's at that time, just head in book and practice. Extremely boring by today's standards of learning.
The first songs I ever learned were The House Of The Rising Sun and Yellow Submarine, as i recall. I played occasionally in "Oldham folky" pubs in my late teens/very
early twenties, but not on the old folky guitar - that had been binned. I also used to play at local party nights, just for fun, "singin' for my supper and free booze" after chucking out time, good ol' singaround. Good times indeed.
Some of my favourite musicians (including ones I cover... depending on how much beer consumed) in no preferential order include:
Gary Moore, Dave Gilmore/Pink Floyd, Ritchie Blackmore/Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Ritchie Sambora/Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton/Cream, Roy Buchannan, Joe Satriani, The Nolan Sisters, Stevie Vai, Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac, John Williams, Julie Ellison, Ken Nicol, Eva Cassidy, Lindisfarne, Jethro Tull, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Brian May/Queen, Yngwie Malmsteen, Eric Johnnson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bryan Adams, ZZ Top, Aerosmith... the list goes on. Did you spot the red herring? No? If you can't spot it, you ain't a guitar player or music lover! Get off my site please! ...wait... maybe you're an old poppy song/disco Glittery person? You are? Please vacate my site.
As well as playing solo, I also play as part of a duo - Middle C, with Nick Mattisson on keyboard. A great player with bags of experience. We play all sorts of music for young and old alike. Contact me for gigs/bookings/enquiries etc.
Musical equipment for electro acoustic playing solo I use:
AER Acoustic 60 Watt Compact Mobile
AER 60 Watt AG8 Active Monitor
Shure 58 Microphone
Behringer Pro Feedback Destroyer
Freshman FA400FBF Pro Guitar
Crafter 12 String Guitar
Harmonica For solid electric performances I use:
Marshall VS265 Amplifier
Boss GT3
Washburn MG70
My own hand-built hybrid (Picture here)
Solo support gigs I have played include:
Ewan Carruthers (Clarence Pub, Blackpool - 9th June 2004) - a singer/songwriter originally from Northumberland, now residing in America. Good player, good singer songwriter, lots of experience and nice person to boot. Thanks for the tips and CD, Ewan.
Julie Ellison (Falcon Pub, Poulton - 13th October 2005) - The best female guitarist and singer/songwriter I've had the pleasure to meet. Fellow male guitar players.. be warned if you think you're good! Superb evening, superb playing and singing, a great lass and a new friend. Check out her CD and website.
John Brindley (The Kenlis Arms, Barnacre - Sept 21st 06) - A singer/songwriter from Wigan. Great guitar playing with feel, passion, and good vocals to boot. A great night had by all, and a nice bloke as well, no airs 'n' graces. Thanks John, nice to meet you. Take a look at his website (CD's available). |
