biography
Born in 1972, Al began playing the cornet and piano at the age of 6; he also tried the trumpet & tenor horn
before finally settling on the french horn at 11. His teen years were spent in a wide
variety of ensembles and stylistic settings - classical, jazz, pop and rock - often 4 or 5 days a week throughout his schooling.
Mainly performing on french horn at this time but also on piano and self taught electric guitar and bass. He also developed
an enthusiasm for computer music, composing & arranging extensively using sequencing software and home
recording equipment.
Al earned his degree in music from Colchester institute in 1993 and a teaching certificate the following year from Bretton
Hall. Whilst studying for his degree he held the piano chair in the university big band as well as continuing to play orchestral french horn.
After completing formal studies Al became a part time instrumental teacher for Devon Youth Music. At the same time he started to build a
reputation as an electric bass player, musical director & arranger amongst the local soul & big bands. With the collapse
of the teaching arm of the music service in 2004 Al took the opportunity to become a full time self-employed musician and to
expand his skills into playing double bass as well.
Since then Al has jointly run an open jazz jam session for 3 years, formed his own bands (Monkey’s Uncle, Time Wasters,
Power of Time Monkeys, Mother Popcorn & the Art Trip) and earned a formidable reputation as a sideman –
most notably with the Craig Milverton Trio & Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen.
discography
As Bandleader
The Art Trip – The Music of Art Pepper (2012)
Time Wasters – Welcome to Wasteland (2007)
Monkey’s Uncle – Lost In Limbo (2005)
As Sideman
Craig Milverton Trio - Bopularity (2013)
Louise Parker - Live at the Flavel (2012)
Roger Marks & His Mainstreamers – Autumn Leaves (2011)
Roger Marks & His Mainstreamers – Easy Living (2011)
The Session 8 Band – Mood Swings (2010)
Becky Brine – Almost (2009)
Toby Williams – The EP (2009)
The Session 8 Band – Girl In Blue (2009)
Exe City Big Band – Leave Us Leap (2007)
The Jesse Molins Trio – EP (2007)
Toby Williams – Just Want To Say (2005)
Jerri Hart – The Nightless Night (2005)
Aesculus Hipp – Master of Illusion (2000)
bandography
Current
Annika Skoogh Quartet
Grice (2012 - Present)
The Threadbearz (2012 - Present)
The Art Trip (2011 - Present)
Ed Leaker's Swing Machine (2010 - Present)
Kick Ass Brass (2010 - Present)
Brian Moore's Wind Machine (2010 - Present)
Digby Fairweather's Half Dozen (2010 - Present)
Mother Popcorn (2009 - Present)
Tony Harris Quartet (2008 - Present)
James Harris' Beatbelt (2008 - Present)
Roger Marks' Honiton Armada (2007 - Present)
Swing 3 (2007 - Present)
Louise Parker Trio/Quartet (2006 - Present)
Craig Milverton Trio (2005 - Present)
Past
The Artemis Allstars (2010)
Cantaloupe (2007 - 2008)
Power of Time Monkeys (2005 - 2008)
Killer Whale (2006 - 2008)
Harry Mundy Band (2004 - 2005)
Monkey's Uncle (2004 - 2009)
Time Wasters (2003 - 2008)
Soul Station (2001 - 2008)
Sam Elliott Big Band (2000 - 2007)
Aesculus Hipp (1999 - 2001)
Rifiki (1998 - 2002)
Dodgey Practice (1995 - 2001)