Although I started my musical career in The Band Of The Welsh Guards (having studied percussion, piano, composition and orchestration at Kneller Hall) I began playing bass in the mid-seventies and left the band to become a full time civvy freelance in 1976. Three years later I was invited to join (comedian) Jim Davidson's band - a quite high profile gig at the time - which led to other offers of gig, session and TV work.

At the old CTS Studios in Wembley, 1975, recording an album with the Welsh Guards Band. And a nice cup of tea.

The 80's and 90's were hectic decades for me; as well as gigs and recording (and radio broadcasts in those days!) I was fortunate to be offered work abroad, notably wonderful tours of Japan and Australia with Salena Jones and Cilla Black respectively. I also toured various Middle East countries with Derek Nimmo, the legendary Pet Clark, went to Mumbai (it was Bombay, then) with the wonderful Lulu, and played most European countries with all sorts of other acts. Including Spit The Dog, I'll have you know.

With Jim Davidson, 1979.

My second ever gig - a summer season at Butlins, Minehead, 1976. Nice flares...
Wish I still had that Jazz bass, though.

In 1985 I started to play on sessions for Mingles, a music production company, and over the years I must have played on thousands of (advertising) jingles for them, as well as many TV themes. I still work for the company, though it's now known as Music By Design

Another nice connection has been with the publishing giant Music Sales. Recruited by my great friend, guitarist Arthur Dick, I've transcribed (bass and drums) and played bass on upwards of 50 book/CD editions in the "Play Guitar With..." and "Play Bass With..." series.

Although the music business has changed considerably, I'm as busy as ever. If you think I can be of service, get in touch!
I'm based in Whitstable, Kent - just 90 minutes from London.

some recordings / performance / West End shows / TV / jingles etc...

Paul Brett * The Proclaimers * Pete Wingfield * Russell Watson * Sir George Martin* Courtney Pine * Petula Clarke* Sir Cliff Richard * Cilla Black * Mike Batt * Bono & The Edge * Jim Davidson * Salena Jones * Roy Wood * Madeline Bell * Bob Monkhouse * Marti Webb * Sir Paul McCartney * Barbara Thompson * Justin Hayward * Lulu * The Drifters * Mike Moran * Max Boyce * Gerard Kenny * Michael Barrymore * Bradley Walsh * Joe Longthorne * R.P.O. * A Clockwork Orange (RSC) * BBC Concert Orchestra * Time * They're Playing Our Song * Chess * Smokey Joe's Cafe * Tell Me On A Sunday * The Magic Of The Musicals * Music Sales UK publications * Training Them Live Rockschool * Challenge Anneka * Jim'll Fix It * Coogan's Run * Dead Ringers * Bruce Forsyth * Reeves and Mortimer * Top Of The Pops * Harty * Auf Wiedersehn Pet * The Hot Shoe Show * What's That Noise? * Passport * The Rory Bremner Show * Ronnie Corbett * Who Do You Do? (Sky) * Dodgem * Sunday Sunday * Survival * Jim Davidson's Generation Game * Schweppes * News Of The World * Toys'R'Us * Kellogs * The Sun * Sindy * Maxwell House * Heinz (composer) * My Little Pony * KFC * Twister * Bulmers * Transformers * Duracell * Ford (composer) * Old Spice * Play Doh * British Gas (composer) * Mother's Pride * Connect 4 * Royal Navy (co-composer, film score) * NATO (co-composer, film score) * Post Office (co-composer, video score) * BAA (composer, film score) etc...

Gear (as if you care)...

Fender P, Fender J, Yamaha TRB5, Tokai Jazz Sound fretless, Musicman Sterling, Modulus Graphite 5, Sadowsky Vintage 5, Yamaha Pacifica guitar, Clifton custom-made electric upright, 1940's blond double bass. FX: Bass Pod, DBX, Boss, Sansamp, Ashdown etc.

Mac G4, MacBook Pro, Sibelius 5, Pro Tools, Cubase etc.

Tuition

I teach bass guitar to a number of private students, at various levels from beginner to advanced, and in styles ranging from Jamerson to Chris Wolstenholme via McCartney, Jean-Jacques Brunel and Jaco. I also specialise in bass tuition and songwriting at the succesful Training Them Live rockschools.

Whether you're a complete newcomer to bass guitar, or a seasoned, gigging player looking to refine your technique and expand your creativity, I can help. You don't need to read music (although I can teach you that as well, if you want!). I aim to turn out musicians, not just bass players...

Contact me to arrange a free, 30 minute introductory lesson/appraisal.

enquiries@townsendmusic.co.uk

 

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