This site has now been up and running since 2002, the year I retired from productive toil. Nearly 35 years following a career path in the photographic retail trade, that mirrored a game of Snakes and Ladders, had finally taken its toll. Retired hurt, physically aged 60, mentally struggling towards 20.
Time then to re-evaluate this short biography, making it even shorter, more succinct, and including the past 5 years.
I have always enjoyed photography, and in the early sixties the beautiful sounds of Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd playing Desafinado gradually lead me into the world of jazz. My education was also assisted by being a member of the Frank Sinatra App. Soc. A debt is owed to the many people I met there, especially one Stan Britt who has his own gallery in the Catalogue section.
In the seventies my photographic efforts began to be concentrated on the music, thus combining two hobbies in one, and occasionally a third when sipping a glass of malt whilst carrying out the first two.
Now, five years into retirement, my hours are spent playing golf, badly, continuing to enjoy and photograph the artists performing my favourite music, and trying to digitise my entire back catalogue of photos. An onerous task. Now and again time is found to speak to my long suffering manager.
A great thank you to all the musicians, clubs and venues that keep the music alive and have permitted the photos to be taken. They all deserve a medal. To quote from the ancient sayings of a certain Ronnie Scott, it's easy to make a million out jazz. Just start off with two.