Learned to whistle at a very early age. Father was a very good whistler.
Learned to play harmonica during early teens, on promise of being
bought a guitar if harmonica mastered. Harmonica was mastered; guitar
never came. Spent 100% of first pay on Suzuki 7 guitar - a horrible
thing!, but great for building up fingertip callouses!
Mainly due to lack of self belief as a singer, learned to play tunes
on harmonica (on neck brace) while self-accompanying on guitar.
When Kitty O'Brien's Irish Pub opened, saw a button acordeon playing
jigs and reels, and was immediately hooked. So, at age 38, started
working slavishly to learn this instrument (and about this type of
music) to now be one of the most competent players in the country,
despite being completely self-taught.
Around the same time, started singing folk music (Celtic biased)
at Devonport and Titirangi Folk Clubs, culminating in an invitation
to join 'Blacksmith Irish Band'.
Stayed with 'Blacksmith' for about 2 years, whilst also playing regularly
with 'Celtic Fusion' in Hamilton.
Left 'Blacksmith' to "freelance", becoming renowned as
a very competent stand-in member for other bands to draw on.
Formed 'PaddyMack' Celtic Band with three friends. Despite a couple
of personnel changes, 'PaddyMack' is still performing regularly more
than 10 years later.
During this time, became the fourth member of popular folkie madcap
group 'Brouhaha'.
Has often been seen out busking with Lew Black, which led to many
small engagements.
In 2005, while unemployed due to redundancy, started performing
mini-concerts at Rest Homes, resulting in other smaller engagements
being earned.
Currently making a (modest) living out of music via:
Rest Home concerts
RSA Clubs
Private gigs - 50's and '60s radio hits, Country songs etc
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