Andy Wright is a London producer that works out of 'Sphere Studios' ( not far from my house). He has worked with Annie Lennox, Simply Red, Imelda May to name but a few... he usually calls and says 'Can you pop over I need a weird instrument playing!'. This time was the Sousaphone. Once I squeezed myself into it, I had fun.
Why I'm showing you this, I have know idea!!.. I think at the time I fell in love with each one of these girls... they never loved me back though...Boo... maybe it was the bright yellow coat?? it couldn't possibly be the fact that i was a Euphonium player could it.
Salford
I studied 2 years at 'Salford University' ( studying A-levels), this is the only picture that I have of those days. I think we were about to go on stage in Iceland. I got SO drunk after that show that I still haven't touched whiskey since and that was 20 years ago. One of my best friends in the world Simon Colam ( 3 in from the right) studied there with me and we both moved to London at the same time, sharing a room in our first year at 'Guildhall'.
Michael Buble
This was a TV date that was with Michael for the final of the UK 'X-FACTOR' show. He definitely didn't get voted off that week.
ELVIS
New Years eve in Monti Carlo 2014
Elvis
This was the closest thing I will ever get to playing with the legend, but flippin hek!!, it felt like the real thing.
Elvis
I played 2nd keys on this gig as well ( to support the string players). Rob Barron patched my string sound in and named it 'The Burnley Symphonic'. ( It was funny at the time)
Elvis
John Scott and Nathan Bray (trps) and Plong leading the way on sax/flute.
Burt Bacharach
Through EMG management I had been asked to MD and arrange the strings/brass and rhythm parts for a VIP gig in Belgium, of Motown and Burt Bacharach music. What amazing tunes that guy wrote.
IMG_2055.jpg
EMG
A fabulous, Belgium trumpet player called 'JORIS MINTEN'. Don't start the 'Kwak' and 'Duvel' without me.
Kid Creole
At the airport on our way home after an AMAZING 3 weeks in Australia.
'Motown Revue'
Held at the famous 'Hippodrome Casino' Leicester Square
Motown Revue
Sid Gauld on trumpet leading the section here. I have know idea why I have that expression on my face...
Boisdale
Here two of my buddy's Mark Armstrong (trp) and Pete Long (sax) playing our annual festive 'Christmas with Frank and Dean' at the 'Boisdale club' underneath Canary Wharf.
Raves
Sometimes me and my friend 'Jamie Talbot' go to Warehouse Rave's and play a selection off love themes from the films with this classic combination of penny whistle and tuba. ( 'Titanic' is my favorite but Jamie likes 'Dirty dancing' the best )
Strictly Come Dancing Tour
This was the view during a sound check on the road in 2014 ( the 7th year of doing the tour).
Strictly
One of the group pictures that are always taken each year of the tour.
Strictly
Live on the Strictly show
Strictly
I think this was from an after show party, after playing the same music for 2 month's, it's always nice to let everyone play some other music and let there hair down.
Laurence Cottle Big Band
Somebody sent me this picture recently. This was the first time I played with the INCREDIBLE 'Laurence Cottle' and his Big Band. Check them out if you haven't already..an amazing band.
Boisdale
Kid Creole
Playing next to the brilliant 'George Hogg' (trp) and the original Sax player from 'Kid Creole and the Coconuts', CHARLIE LAGOND
Kid Creole
Chris 'Storrando' Storr ( trp) and Edgar Jones (Sax). These guys are the loudest and fattest horn section on the planet ( in tone not physically). Known in the band as 'The Pond Life Horns'
Blur
I think this was a picture taken whilst touring with 'Blur', at the famous music festival in Copenhagen.
Buble
I have arranged ALL of Michael Buble's tracks for 4 horns and rhythm for a tribute act that did a few gigs. He sounded more like Buble than Buble did.
London Horns
This was taken at the 'Pizza Express Jazz Club' in Soho while we were down there with 'The Horns' one night.
London Horns
Another picture of me performing a track from the 'London Horns' album ( available at all good record stores and from Barnaby's STORE). I can tell by the look on my face what track I was playing. ( honest)
Kenny Wheeler
I believe this was taken whilst I was touring with the legendary 'Kenny Wheeler', An all star band featuring every leading voice in the British Jazz scene including one of my favorites 'Dave Holland' on Bass.
Lauren Anny J
An artist that was helped by EMG management, an amazing talent from Belgium...'Lauren Anny J' singing here with yours truly on keys, for a showcase at the 'Troubadour', Earls Ct.
Solo Gigs
At most of my own gigs, the audience gets the pleasure of listening to my 'banter' between tunes. Not many of them laugh but if I keep telling them that I'm funny then maybe they will start to believe it??
Kid Creole
Maybe looking a bit too relaxed here...
Kid Creole
The 'Pond Life Horns' playing in Marbella at the 'Nikki Beach' resort.
Where it all began
The 'Burnley Youth Brass Band', led by an amazing man 'Geoff Balson'. I rehearsed and toured ( even at this age) with this band for 6 years, every Tuesday night and local concerts in and around the north of England on top. Principle Euphonium...I used to carry that thing around in a bright blue case..leading the way in fashion (I'd like to think).
Where it all began
Even then i was an absolute 'HUNK!' and before you say it...the other kids were in a lower year to me. ( I know I'm tall but I'm not a freakish giant or something)
London Horns
The 'London Horns' invite singers up to sing sometimes and who better than the stunning vocal talent of 'Hayley Sanderson'. (Her boyfriend must be a lucky chap).
Ben Crossland
This band was put together to do a small UK tour featuring a quartet of some of London's finest jazz musicians. Mark Nightingale (trb), Martin Shaw and Steve Waterman (trp).
London Horns
Abbey Road studio's, I love this place. Every time i record there I just feel special. The history and talent that has recorded there throughout the years. This is obviously the famous Beatles 'studio 2'. AMAZING!
Duo gigs
I often play small jazz gigs in the corner of peoples rooms, in and around London. I genuinely love it, especially when the other person I'm playing with is 'James Knight'.
Kid Creole
I think this was taken in Paris, opening a new music venue.
Kid Creole
The' Pond Life Horns'
Kid Creole
Looks like Ed is taking this one...
Kid Creole
I love this picture, it's probably me re-arranging the horn line and telling the trumpet player to play an octave higher ( I quite like it when they do that) ( it might have sounded like..'shove it up th'octave mate!' ( in my thick northern accent).
Kid Creole
Another favorite picture of mine. The 'Pond life horns' stood in.. yes you guest it... A POND! Now for some reason.. I look like a giant again ( that keeps happening)
Kid Creole
If I remember rightly this was in ROME, Italy.
Kid Creole
'The Pond Life Horns'
Small Festival
This was a small band that I led to open a local festival organized by the very well known experience that is 'Leo Green'.
Michael's Wedding
I had recently written 20 Disney arrangements for String Quartet and then was booked to do some background ceremony for a friends wedding. What better opportunity to play them.
Michael's Wedding
Disneytastic
Michael's Wedding
Aladdin, Snow White, Cinderella, Little Mermaid etc.. some brilliant tunes. ( check out my arrangements in 'the Store', hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I did writing them)
Bond
This was for a filmed session that was recorded at Shepperton studio's ( Home of all the Bond Films) I think we had to play a 007 medley. A small buzz.
The Supremes
Say no more...
New Signings
I work a lot with not only famous people but with new artists trying to get a break. This was a little tour supporting 'Simply Red' with a band called 'Jay and the Boys'. A brilliant band that we all worked for peanuts for, on the dream that he will get signed and take us with him. As soon as he did get his big, record label break, the label changed the bands name to...'JAY!' (need I say anymore)
MR FLOWERS
One of the best trumpet players in the world and my life long friend. Chatting over a beer about melodic minors AGAIN! Those things can change the world.
Guy Barker
I wish I had more pictures of me playing with Guy.I have tour in different size bands with Guy throughout the years and loved every gig. He is not only a great trumpet player/arranger but a real inspiration to me and a good friend.
Kid Creole
Amsterdam
Big Band
Pete Beachill Big Band at the Royal Academy of music
London Horns
This was one of the first gigs that we did. Nikki ( one of the dancers for Kylie) got married.. anyone need a slightly unique wedding band??
The Pete Cater Big Band
I was in this band for a good few years. Buddy Rich, Bob Curnow, Maynard Ferguson charts. LOVE IT!
Kid Creole
I can see that 'Mike Smith' was depping for Ed on this one. He went on to be a major voice on keyboards with the 'Gorillas', 'Monkey' and later I toured with Mike around the world with BLUR.
Kid Creole
London Horns
During the Kylie tour we managed to organize a gig at a venue in Sydney, just for the cast and crew. One of THE most brilliant nights of my life. I remember one of the dancers saying 'it was so good to hear you guys 'flexing' your musical chops, I had know idea you were so good!'( after 2 years of touring)
MR BRAY
Another, life long friend and one of the BEST lead trumpet players in the country.
Kylie
'ROXY!!', one of the loveliest people you will ever meet. Backing singer on Kylie's tour. Daughter of Marty Wilde and sister to Kim Wilde ( quite a talented family).
Cemetry Junction
A picture taken of the band before we went on set to film the Ricky Gervais film.
Kid Creole
My mate and fabulous bass player from Copenhagen, Denmark. Christian Douglas-Danstrom
Kylie
The 'Heart Beat Rock' Disco outfits. Pow, di,di, der,di, di, daaa!!
Kylie
Kylie
It was Halloween in Columbia, so the Kylie cast decided to get into fancy dress and go out clubbing. Little did we know (Graeme Blevins, Graeme Flowers and I) that they don't really take on the 'HORROR' bit of Halloween out there... they just wear fancy dress. A bit awkward going out dressed like 3 gynecologists when everybody else was wearing Disney costumes. OOPS!
Kylie
The Sailor outfits!! COPACABANA!!
Kylie
'2 Hearts'
Kylie
Kylie
'Hello Sailor!'
Kylie
'WOW!!'
Strictly
The 'Gorgeous' Hayley Sanderson (I have to say that) and the legendary funny man and warm up guy ' Stuart Holdham' (in 2007). When Stuart told his family and friends that he wanted to be a comedian, they were totally taken back... well they're not laughing now Stuart!
Kid Creole
3 of my favorite ladies. 'THE COCONUTS!'
Louise's Wedding
Taking a back seat as usual.
Craig McMurdo
A good friend of mine.. Band leader and Radio Host. Mr Craig Mcmurdo
Tim Garland
Tim Garlands Underground orchestra. Have a look for an album of the same title. Gerrard Presencer, Joe Locke, Geoff Keezer, Jeff Ballard to name just a few guys that came in to join us.
Tim Garland
One of my favorite sax players in the world is 'Tim Garland' I have played in his band for a good few years now. An amazing arranger and incredible sax player. (Chick Corea agrees with me to)
Tim Garland
VIDEOS
Check out my 'You Tube' Channel for a lot more videos....