| Born
: 1962. Liverpool
Father : Musician/Band Leader, founder member of Candlewick Green. Architect.
Mother : Homemaker, Entrepreneur.
The family relocated to North Wales in the early 1970’s
where John joined the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. He played
in several bands with his Father before moving to the Royal Northern
College of Music studying Contemporary percussion/ drum kit and
piano. After 5 years of graduate and post graduate studies he joined
Rambert Dance Company, London as a percussionist, enjoying extensive
touring for a further 5 years. After still more years gigging in
bands and theatre John accepted the post as Composer / Musical
Director for the Bristol Old Vic. While working in theatre John
learnt the basics on Bass Guitar, Flute, Trumpet and Trombone until
eventually discovering the Accordion. At about this time (2003)
he met Ian Anderson and joined the Rubbing Elbows tour on piano
and accordion subsequently recording on Rupi’s Dance. Since
that time John has enjoyed touring with the band and scoring, conducting
and playing Ian’s orchestral concerts.
In 2004 John was commissioned to compose a children's opera by
the Welsh National Opera. This was a great success and has lead
to a further two pieces being commissioned. John has also composed
for wildlife, drama and documentary TV. Several years ago he produced
two albums, one a smooth jazz record for USA and the other of his
theatre music.
John holds teaching postions at Bath and Bristol Universities
and is a guest tutor at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
where in 2007 he is adapting and scoring Quadrophenia for the stage.
In 2009, he helped arranged and conducted music for the
stage production of the classic The Who album "Quadrophenia."
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