Derek's musical career began on trumpet in brass bands at the age of 9 years.
He completed an illustrious 14 years in this genre as initially a player
then moved on to MD, Brass teaching and conducting performing many concerts throughout the UK and France.
Whilst still at school, Derek was awarded the Fairhirst Music Prize
for two consecutive years and at age 14 years began playing in orchestra pits and big bands.
In the same year Derek made his first (and last) solo appearance on television playing
the 'bones' to a live backing band.
(well, he thought it was just a live band until he was told it was the BBC Northern
Dance Orchestra (NDO).
(for the uninitiated, bones are played in a similar way to spoons but are made from cows
ribs).
In the 60's Derek admits to making one of the biggest mistakes of his career by
making the transition from trumpet to bass guitar (i.e. swapping from small trumpet case to 'lugging' bass amp / bass
cab / guitar etc., particularly up staircases).
During the past 30 years, as an accomplished player and sight reader Derek has
played bass guitar for many of the UK's top acts including Tony Christie, Dana, Bert Weedon, Les Dawson, Gary Wilmott,
Gerry Marsden, Don Estell, Bernard Manning, MIck Miller, and Jim Bowen to name just a few., whilst playing in support bands
for groups such as The Searchers, Batchelors, New Seekers, Picketywitch. Billy Fury, The Drifters, Fortunes etc.
As a session musician Derek has played 'in the pit'' on many major musicals e.g. Fiddler
on the Roof, Pippin, Chess, Barnum and Les Miserable.
In a long career of recording and media work Derek was delighted to be invlolved
in the BBC Dramas 'HETTY WAINTHROP INVESTIGATES' (see pic above) and WHEN LOVE COMES TO TOWN'.
Derek's range of musical styles covers: Jazz, Pop, Latin, Old time and Classical.
Until recently ran his own 16 piece jazz orchestra.
He now enjoys bringing all this experience together playing with INTERACTIVE.
*Unusual fact'......, Derek first met 'INTERACTIVE' sax player John Woodhouse
on the set whilst filming for HETTY WAINTHROP'
(see below for contact details).
