Background
Though born in Wales, I have lived most of my life in and around the Bedford area (for the last few years, in Olney).
I learned Piano, Violin and French Horn when I was younger but when I was 16 I bought my first guitar for about £20 out of paper round money and decided I was going to be a rock star!
My first real bands were "Face Value" and "Junction 13" which also included original KMJ drummer Dave Reid then "MPH" with fellow KMJ member Brian. I then played on and off for the next 20 years in various bands - notably "The Kicks" until I hooked up with the fledgling KMJ about 3 years ago. At the time, I was roped in to do whatever was going: singer, bassist, keyboards or guitar while the band sorted out its personnel, style and direction.
KMJ started out with a bluesy/jazzy edge when we had Cianne on vocals and keyboards and Andy (now in "Graphic") on bass then progressed to a more funky sound via many more bass players until we found Rob a couple of years ago who has influenced us towards rock. We now play a variety of styles with a rock edge and I think that after a long road, we are all very happy with the sound we make.
Influences
I have a huge number of influences and heroes and have a wide ranging musical taste. At the time of writing, I am likely to be listening to Shaun Mullins, Joe Bonamassa, John Mayer or some good old '70's British rock!
My favourite singer would have to be Linda Lewis. Listen to a track like "Rockadoodledoo" and if the hairs on the back of your neck don’t stand up, you must be either asleep or dead! My favourite guitarist is Tommy Bolin. He was inconsistent and short-lived but listen to some of his work on things like Billy Cobhams Spectrum and to the most tasteful guitar solo of all time on "Savannah Woman" from Tommy's Teaser album and you'll see what I mean. Bass playing king in my book is Andy Fraser from Free - so talented and only 17 when he played the fantastic solo on "Mr Big". My favourite drummer is probably Neal Peart from Rush who has feel and timing second to none.
My all time hero is Glenn Hughes (Trapeze/Deep Purple) who is, again, inconsistent but brilliant. I actually got to talk to him before a show in 2008 where he just sang and played the acoustic guitar and I swear it was like hearing singing for the first time - awesome!! If I had a tenth of his talent (or indeed, as some may say, any talent at all) I would be a very lucky man!
Equipment
On stage, I play Schecter Blackhawk, Ibanez RG 2550z Prestige and Tokai Stratocaster guitars through Peavey Valveking 100 or Peavey Classic 30 combo's and generally use a Floor Pod multi-effects unit. I also use an old 1980's Hohner/Steinberger bass when needed and use whatever keyboards Rob has left lying around if necessary! I have also just been given a clarinet, so watch this space!!