I have always been inspired by people who have the ability to reinvent themselves musically: Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, and Madonna have all done it. I play any music that inspires me, anything that comes from within.

In the early days, the ambition was simply to be a great guitarist, to excite. Now it's equally as important to me, to be recognised as a writer and arranger, creating music that moves and excites people.

The great thing about Inspirition is the variety of the music. Between us, we are six quite disparate individuals with incredibly diverse tastes. Collectively we combine real talent in all our individual areas, the chemistry works really well. In the band, I act as a sort of coordinator of ideas, possibly also as a calming influence at various times.

Here's a potted history: I learned piano from age five, took up guitar, at fourteen, and got used to sneaking out of the bedroom window at night to play on the beach with friends. I started folk singing at 15 and learning about Blues and Jazz from the after-school music club and enthusiastic school music teacher. At 16, the bands started. Half way through my business studies course in Bournemouth, I went to the first Isle of White Music Festival and saw an advert for a guitarist in a band in Yorkshire. I decided there and then that that's what I wanted to do. I went home, got my guitar and amp, and within a day I was standing on the platform with my guitar in my hand.

My first album was recorded in 1970 with Bournemouth band Elias Hulk. The album (Unchained) died without trace, mainly thanks to us being completely ripped off by the music business. Strangely, there has been a worldwide surge of interest in this album, thanks to a re-issue by BGO records. Elias has got back together for the first time in 38 years and recorded 3 new songs for an EP, Unfinished Business, (release due Dec 08). Elias Hulk was followed by years of touring, European tours, stadium gigs.

I played guitar with Jenny Haan's Lion in the late 70's (half of which came out of Babe Ruth). Next came Blow, a great jazz rock outfit from Dorset. We made an album in Frankfurt (No Problem). More recently I have been playing piano for the Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra and Choir, a 32 strong blues, soul and gospel outfit. I've been teaching, arranging, recording, playing, selling instruments and mentoring young musicians ever since. I met Isabel three years ago and immediately found an affinity and soul mate with whom song-writing became a dream. This sort of chemistry is so rare, that every moment is treasured. Playing with Charlie, Andy, Clive, Jools and Bella makes me realise that the 35 year wait has been worth it !